Carl Richardson

Closing the Gap

A born fighter, this all-star quarterback is always looking to improve himself and his community.

Looking at the six foot four, 205-pound high school quarterback and basketball player today, it’s hard to imagine that Carl Richardson came into the world weighing just over two pounds. Born 14 weeks early, he had to fight just to survive his first few months in this world. That determination and drive still define him. As the son of two Division One athletes and the younger brother of the current Stanford quarterback, Carl has grown up in what he calls a “high-octane environment, surrounded by high achievers who push the envelope and challenge the norm.” And he’s risen to the occasion, taking advantage of every opportunity to make his own mark.

As an all-state quarterback, he’s set six school and district records in the sport while also being named defensive MVP of his basketball team. But Carl is not content to rest on past successes. He’s always looking to up his game and is willing to put in the hard work to make it happen. When a former NFL quarterback and coach of Carl’s club football team suggested that he completely change the mechanics of his throw, Carl went through many grueling months of practice, learning the value of patience, perseverance, and commitment along the way.

Carl puts the same passion and energy into improving the world for those around him. Recalling his own precarious start to life, he says, “I am still here for a reason,” and “when I see a gap, I take the gap.” He volunteers his time to serve on several leadership organizations and is most proud of his role as president of his school’s Best Buddies Club, an organization dedicated to forming connections between general and special education students. “I love helping the special education students have a great high school experience,” he says. It’s just one of the ways Carl is delivering on his commitment to make a difference every day.