Richter, Leslie A.
Football
b. Oct. 26, 1930, Fresno, CA
As a freshman at the University of California, Richter was a fullback and linebacker. He started, primarily at linebacker, in 1949, his sophomore year. During his last two seasons, he played guard and linebacker, did the team's place-kicking and was a consensus All-American both years. Richter was co-captain of the football team, captain of the rugby team, and class valedictorian as a senior.
After graduating in 1952, he served in the Army for two years. A first-round draft choice of the NFL's Dallas Texans, Richter was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for eleven players, the largest deal ever made for a single player.
Richter played both offensive guard and linebacker for the Rams in 1954 and also kicked extra points and field goals. A fine all-around athlete, the 6-foot-3, 238-pounder became a defensive specialist in 1956. As a linebacker and middle guard, he was the team's defensive captain for the next six years.
When starting center Art Hunter was injured in 1962, Richter took over that position. He retired after the 1962 season. During his 9 years with the Rams, Richter intercepted 16 passes and scored 193 points on 1 touchdown, 106 extra points, and 29 field goals.
Since retiring from football, Richter has been involved with auto racing in a variety of positions. He is currently is vice-president of special projects for International Speedway Corporation, chairman of the board for the International Race of Champions, and senior vice president of operations for NASCAR.