James Richards (Canadian football)


James Richards is a former professional American football offensive guard in the National Football League and Canadian Football League. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of California, Berkeley.

Early years

Richards attended Antelope Valley High School where he was an All-state offensive tackle. He moved on to play at Cal State Northridge where he was switched to guard, before transferring to Antelope Valley College in 1988.
In 1989, he transferred to the University of California. He was named the starter at left guard as a junior, protecting quarterback Toy Taylor who set a who
set a Cal record for total offense and passed for the second most yards in a season in school history.
As a senior, he helped Russell White and Anthony Wallace to become the first pair of running backs in school history to gain 1,000 rushing yards in the same year. He only missed 10 offensive snaps in his last two seasons.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Richards was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He was waived on August 26. He was signed to the practice squad until being released on October 9.

Los Angeles Rams

On October 16, 1991, he was signed to the Los Angeles Rams practice squad and was released on November 7.

Dallas Cowboys

In 1991, after being waived by the Los Angeles Rams, he spent the rest of the season on the Cowboys practice squad.

Phoenix Cardinals

On February 4, 1992, he signed with the Phoenix Cardinals. He was released on September 1st. He spent most of the season on their practice squad, until being waived on November 10.

Dallas Cowboys

On April 13, 1993, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys but was released before the season started.

Las Vegas Posse

In 1994, Richards played for the expansion team Las Vegas Posse of the Canadian Football League.