Asim Richards Bio
Asim Richards is an American professional football offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 2, 2000, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels before being selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 308 pounds, Richards has built his reputation as a reliable, technically sound offensive lineman with the versatility to play both tackle and guard at the professional level. He is widely regarded as a developmental prospect whose steady improvement has carried him from a three-star high school recruit to an established NFL depth contributor.
Early Life and Background
Asim Richards grew up in the Philadelphia area and attended Haverford School, a well-known private school on the city’s Main Line. At Haverford, he was a two-sport athlete, competing in both football and basketball. On the football field, he played primarily as a defensive end and tight end during his early years, gradually adding size and refining his technique as he moved through the program.
As a junior at Haverford School, Richards earned second-team All-Inter-Ac honors at defensive end, signaling his emergence as a college-level prospect. During his senior season, the coaching staff shifted him to offensive tackle, where he started the final four games of his high school career. That year he also received All-Inter-Ac League honors and was awarded a Mini Max award, a recognition given by the Maxwell Football Club to standout players in eastern Pennsylvania. He finished his high school career with 133 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries on defense, while continuing to develop on the offensive line. Rated as a three-star recruit, he was ranked as the sixth-best prospect in Pennsylvania and the 42nd-best tackle nationally before committing to play college football at North Carolina.
Path to American Football
Richards arrived at the University of North Carolina as part of the 2019 recruiting class and immediately began adjusting to the speed and physical demands of ACC football. As a true freshman, he appeared in nine games, working mostly as a backup on the offensive line and on special teams. The experience gave him a foundation in the Tar Heels’ blocking schemes and helped him build the strength needed for the rigors of starting as an upperclassman.
The following season, 2020, marked a clear turning point in his development. Richards was named the full-time starter at left tackle and started all but one of the team’s 12 games. He lined up alongside offensive guards Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan while blocking for several future NFL players, including quarterback Sam Howell and running backs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. The progression continued into his junior year, when he started all 13 games at left tackle and helped pave the way for running back Ty Chandler.
Asim Richards Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Over four seasons at North Carolina, Asim Richards steadily transformed himself from a lightly regarded recruit into one of the most consistent offensive linemen in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He started 38 games in his college career, including 37 at left tackle and one at left guard, and opened 34 consecutive games to close his time in Chapel Hill. His durability and steady improvement made him a quiet anchor on a Tar Heels offense that produced several future NFL players.
As a senior in 2022, Richards earned third-team All-ACC recognition after surrendering only three sacks on close to 1,050 offensive snaps. That season he blocked for quarterback Drake Maye, helping the offense rank third in the ACC in points per game, second in passing yards per game and total yards per game, and first in rushing yards per game. Although he had one year of eligibility remaining, Richards chose to forgo his final season and enter the 2023 NFL Draft. He capped his college career with an invitation to the 2023 Senior Bowl.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2023–2025)
Richards was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round, 169th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he appeared in eight games, with his most notable action coming in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams when he stepped in at left tackle after an injury to Chuma Edoga. He was inactive for nine regular-season contests and the Wild Card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.
In 2024, Richards appeared in 13 games and made one start at left tackle, demonstrating that he could also play guard when needed. He missed four games from Week 13 through Week 16 with an ankle injury. His first NFL start came in Week 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles, filling in for injured first-round pick Tyler Guyton, and he later saw significant playing time at left tackle in the season finale against the Washington Commanders. Entering the 2025 preseason, Richards was expected to serve as the team’s backup left tackle but was passed on the depth chart by second-year player Nathan Thomas.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On August 26, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys traded Asim Richards to the New Orleans Saints along with a 2028 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for a 2028 sixth-round pick. The Saints acquired him to serve as a backup swing tackle capable of playing on either side of the offensive line. The trade marked a fresh start for Richards, who joined a Saints offensive line looking for depth and positional flexibility heading into the regular season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Richards is known for his technical soundness, dependable pass protection, and positional flexibility. He has the footwork and length to develop into a starting-caliber tackle and the playing strength to handle interior duties at guard when needed. Coaches have praised his football intelligence, communication skills, and ability to adjust quickly to different blocking schemes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Richards’s standout achievements are his 2022 third-team All-ACC selection, his first NFL start against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, and his trade to the New Orleans Saints in August 2025. His 34 consecutive starts to close his North Carolina career also stand out as a sign of his durability and consistency at the college level.
Asim Richards Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, Asim Richards’s contributions are measured less in individual victories and more in his role protecting quarterbacks and opening running lanes. Across his college and professional career, he has consistently contributed to successful offenses, including North Carolina’s 2022 unit that ranked among the ACC’s best in scoring and total yards. His development from a rotational freshman to a trusted swing tackle reflects steady, behind-the-scenes success at every level.
North Carolina Highlights
Richards started 38 games for the Tar Heels, including 34 consecutive starts across his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. He protected future NFL quarterback Drake Maye and helped the 2022 offense rank first in the ACC in rushing yards per game. His senior-season third-team All-ACC recognition capped a college career marked by reliability and steady growth.
Other Wins & Performances
Richards’s prep career included All-Inter-Ac League honors and a Mini Max award from the Maxwell Football Club as a senior at Haverford School. At the professional level, his ability to step into multiple positions along the offensive line has been his clearest on-field success, helping both the Cowboys and the Saints manage injuries along their offensive fronts.
Asim Richards Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Asim Richards grew up in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area and attended Haverford School, a private preparatory school with a strong football tradition. His athletic development in both football and basketball at Haverford played a central role in his path to college and professional football.
Personal Life
Richards is known primarily for his commitment to football, and details about his personal and family life outside the sport are limited. He maintains a public presence on social media, where fans can follow updates on his career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Asim Richards in a familiar role as a backup offensive lineman, this time with the New Orleans Saints after his late-preseason trade from Dallas. The Saints acquired him specifically to serve as a swing tackle, giving the team experienced depth at both tackle spots heading into a demanding schedule. His ability to play either tackle position or slide inside to guard makes him a valuable piece for an offensive line that often faces injuries over the course of a long NFL season.
Richards’s path to regular playing time in New Orleans will depend on health and performance within a competitive offensive line room. The Saints value his college track record of durability, including 34 consecutive starts at North Carolina, as a sign that he can be relied upon when called upon. If injuries arise, he is well-positioned to step into a starting role and continue building his NFL résumé.