Tony Richardson ( American football ) Antonio " Tony " Richardson ( born December 12 , 1971 ) is a former American football fullback who played in the National Football League ( NFL ) for sixteen seasons . He played college football at Auburn . He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 1994 . A three - time Pro Bowl selection , Richardson has also played for the Minnesota Vikings , Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets . He is considered one of the greatest fullbacks in NFL history having blocked for 1 , 000 yards rushers in nine consecutive NFL seasons in addition to leading the Kansas City Chiefs in rushing yards in 2000 . During those seasons he paved the way for the success of running backs such as : Priest Holmes , Larry Johnson , Chester Taylor , Adrian Peterson , Thomas Jones and Ladanian Tomlinson Professional career . Dallas Cowboys . Richardson declared for the 1994 NFL draft , but was not drafted by any team . He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed to the Dallas Cowboys in 1994 . He spent most of his time on the practice squad and was eventually released by the team . Kansas City Chiefs . Richardson signed with Kansas City in February 1995 . He started one game in that season , and was noted for blocking for Marcus Allen on his way to his 100th career touchdown . He later became the starting fullback for the team , blocking for record setting running back Priest Holmes and the most productive seasons of Larry Johnson ' s career . He was selected to represent the AFC in the 2003 , 2004 , and 2005 Pro Bowl s . Minnesota Vikings . A free agent in the 2006 offseason , Richardson signed with the Minnesota Vikings . He was selected to represent the NFC in the 2008 Pro Bowl after paving the way for Rookie of the Year Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor . At the end of the 2007 - 2008 season , the Vikings did not re - sign Richardson , opting to pay for the cheaper Thomas Tapeh . New York Jets . On March 6 , 2008 , Richardson signed a one - year contract with the New York Jets . He was re - signed by the team on February 27 , 2009 . Following the expiration of his previous contract , Richardson , once again , signed with the team on March 16 , 2010 . The Jets released Richardson on September 5 , 2010 . A day later , the Jets resigned Richardson upon reaching a deal with cornerback Darrelle Revis . During his time with the New York Jets , Richardson helped Thomas Jones to two 1000 + yard seasons . Richardson was the recipient of the " Whizzer " White NFL Man of the Year Award at the end of the 2010 season . Personal . His father , Sergeant Major Ben Richardson , was stationed in Germany when Tony was born , and he grew up the first eight years of his life in Germany . When they returned to the U . S . , the family lived in Daleville , Alabama , where Tony excelled as a three - sport letterman in football , basketball , and track & field . He attended Auburn University , where he started most of his four seasons as a fullback for the team , accumulating 162 carries for 715 yards and nine touchdown s . He received his Bachelor of Education degree in 2000 , and later got his MBA from Webster University in 2004 . Off the field , Richardson is very involved with local charities . He hosts the Kansas City chapter of the annual Special Olympics Punt , Pass & Kick competition , and has served as chairman of many charitable organizations and fundraisers . In 2002 , he was nominated by his team for the NFL Man of the Year award . Richardson is also a member of the NFLPA executive committee .