RICHARDSON, MANGINI A PERFECT FIT By MARK CANNIZZARO June 5, 2008 -- While Tony Richardson was surveying the free-agent market, signing with the JetsNew York Jets became a no-brainer. While Eric Mangini was surveying the market, signing Richardson became a no-brainer, too. Had one of those dating matchmakers matched up Mangini and Richardson in its compatibility computer, smoke would have been coming out of the sides of the terminal. Richardson, a sage 14th-year fullback who played 11 seasons in Kansas City and the last two in Minnesota, might as well have invented the "core values" Mangini has preached. And Richardson represents the exact football leader Mangini craves - one who instills discipline, structure and vision. "Being the son of a military man, I like the way [Mangini] runs things," said Richardson, who will participate in a minicamp today and tomorrow in Hempstead. "It's about details, trust and relationships. He runs a tight ship here. There are no shortcuts to winning. You've got to work and bust your butt. I like that attitude." Does that sound like a Mangini man, or what? Richardson's dad, now retired in Alabama, was an Army sergeant major. His sister, who was part of Desert Storm, is still serving and is stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C. Despite coming out of Auburn 15 years ago, Richardson has the look of a much younger man. He hardly looks the part of the grizzled veteran. "Just good living," he joked. At 36, he's a mere year younger than Mangini. "I wanted to bring in a contemporary," Mangini quipped. "He graduated high school the same year [I did] and could actually relate to the same songs, things like that." Turning more serious, Mangini said, "With Tony, he's one of those guys that you can't find anybody that says a negative thing about the guy. I was looking hard for someone that wouldn't say something nice about him - just for some balance - and I couldn't find anyone." Richardson, though not necessarily a prototypical fullback, has blocked well enough to make three Pro Bowls. He's paved the way for Adrian Peterson, Marcus Allen, Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson. "He's opened a lot of holes for guys over the years," Mangini said. mark.cannizzaro@nypost.com
We needed a fullback in the worst way. Our running game in short yardage and in the red zone was beyond atrocious last year, that's the main reason we kicked FGs almost every time down.
Tony Richardson is going to end up being one of the best offseason pickups for us. He's going to add a huge dimension that this team has lacked.
