University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in Washington County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Jon Richardson

— Arkansas Difference Makers —

Photographed by Marc Hayot, July 12, 2026

1. Jon Richardson Marker

Inscription. The first African-American scholarship football player to compete on the varsity team at Arkansas. Jon Richardson blazed the way for thousands of future Razorbacks with grace and dignity. The native of Little Rock was both a running back and a kick off returner for Coach Broyles' Razorbacks from 1970-72. He broke a school record with 501 kickoff return yards in his final collegiate campaign. His 19 rushing touchdowns still ranks on the UA career record list.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Sports.

Location. 36° 4.154′ N, 94° 10.779′ W. Marker is in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in Washington County. It is in University of Arkansas. It can be reached from Road 300, on the right when traveling east. The marker is in University of Arkansas. It can be reached from North Razorback Road (Route 300), on the right when traveling north. The marker is located with the Arkansas Differnce Makers markers at the north entrance (near gate 10) of Donald W. Reynolds Stadium on the grounds of the University of Arkansas. Touch for map.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Marker is at or near this postal address: 350 N Razorback Road, Fayetteville AR 72701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Arkansas,

on the Ozark Plateau,

in the Cherokee Heritage Region,

and in Osage Territory.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Ozarks.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jackson T. Stephens (here, next to this marker); Dr. Frank Oldham Jr. (here, next to this marker); Orville Henry (here, next to this marker); Donald W. Reynolds (here, next to this marker); Wilson Matthews (a few steps from this marker); The Jim Lindsey - Jim Williams Entry (a few steps from this marker); Ruth Cohoon (a few steps from this marker); George and Boyce Billingsley (a few steps from this marker).

Paid Advertisement

Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fayetteville.

Regarding Jon Richardson. This marker is one of several markers umbrellaed under the "Arkansas Difference Makers," a list of people who made significant contributions to the University of Arkansas sports program.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on July 16, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.