During his playing days, he became known for a notorious move that has since been outlawed: the "lift", in which Richards used his elbow to hit the opposing center as he snapped the ball.

In an era marked by the looming specter of World War II, Richards was part of two Bruin squads that competed in the Rose Bowl.

After two seasons in that capacity, he was let go on January 19, 1951, due to budget cuts, but found work seven weeks later as an assistant with the NFL's Los Angeles Rams.

Among the reasons Richards was unable to fashion a winner was his insistence on playing quarterback Lamar McHan, whose lack of leadership skills were often cited as the team's weak spot.

In his post-football career, Richards served as a vice president of Pemaco, Inc., a Los Angeles-based chemical company.