Richard Jennings II (born April 17, 1953) is an American politician and former football player. He played college football at the University of Maryland, College Park and professional football for the Oakland Raiders, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the San Francisco 49ers. Since 2014, he has served on the Sacramento City Council from the 7th district.
Football career In 1976, Jennings was drafted 313th overall in the 11th round by the Oakland Raiders, but was claimed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers off waivers. Claimed by the Bucs on a Tuesday and waived again that Thursday, his two days set the record for the shortest time spent with the club.Staff Writers. "You can't tell players without binoculars". St. Petersburg Times. 17 Sep 1976 He then returned to the Raiders, and averaged 26.1 yards on 16 kick returns for the eventual Super Bowl XI champions before suffering a knee injury that required season-ending surgery. In the 1977 offseason, Jennings passed through the Raiders, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints organizations, being waived by each, before being again claimed by the Buccaneers.Staff Writers. "Bucs claim Jennings again". St. Petersburg Times. 15 Sep 1977 After being waived a second time by the Buccaneers without ever playing a single down,Staff Writers. "Bucs waive Jennings again". St. Petersburg Times. 22 Sep 1977 Jennings played with the 49ers, and with the Raiders for a third stint.
Political career After the NFL, Jennings served as Sacramento School Board Member, and ran the Center for Fathers and Families, an organization that assists fatherless families. Man on Mission to Fill Fatherless Gap. Accessed 24 Jun 2009 He has also counseled troubled NBA player Ron Artest.Calvan, Bobby Caina. "Rick Jennings to aid Artest in counseling". The Sacramento Bee. 4 May 1997
In June 2014, Jennings was elected to the Sacramento City Council serving District 7. In May 2025, Jennings declined a pay raise proposed by the city's compensation commission due to the city's budget deficit.
Personal life Jennings is married to Cassandra Jennings, the president and CEO of St. HOPE. The two met in college. References