Joseph “Big T” Rogers Richard’s journey on Swamp People has been an unforgettable ride, but it all came to a halt when a life-changing infection ended his career. Deep in the heart of Louisiana’s swamps, home to over 2 million alligators, Swamp People offers a rare and wild look into the world of alligator hunting. Since its debut more than a decade ago, the show has followed the lives of fearless gator hunters in the Atchafalaya River Basin, showcasing their incredible skills and the extreme dangers they face in the swamp.
Big T is the son of Swamp People star Daniel Edgar’s best friend and spent many seasons hunting gators with Daniel in the swamps. He earned his nickname as a baby when his older brother, 27 years older, called him “tee,” which means “small” in French. As he grew, everyone started calling him Big T. With years of practice, he became a skilled gator hunter. However, Big T has been missing from the Swamp People cast for some time now, and fans miss his sharpshooting skills and heartwarming personality.
Big T’s Journey On Swamp People
How Big T Rose From The Swamp to the Spotlight
Big T grew up immersed in swamp life, raised in a family of hunters where survival skills were second nature. His father, Milton Smith, was close friends with Daniel, and their bond introduced Big T to the swamp early on. Daniel became a mentor, taking him under his wing and shaping his hunting skills. Over the years, Big T developed a reputation for precision and calm under pressure. When he joined Swamp People in season 9 as Daniel’s deckhand, fans quickly took notice of his sharpshooting talent, earning him recognition as one of the most accurate marksmen on the show.
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Before stepping in front of the cameras, Big T already shared a strong bond with many cast members, including Troy Landry, his sons Jacob and Chase, Bruce Mitchell, and RJ and Jay Paul Molinere. His debut episode delivered a standout moment, spotting a massive 12-foot alligator across a canal and dropping it with a single shot from over 100 yards away. It was an unforgettable first catch that immediately turned heads. Over the next three seasons, Big T became a regular presence on the show, achieving new personal milestones and proving his worth as a core part of the Edgar team.
Big T’s Health Struggles and Departure From Swamp People
Big T’s run on Swamp People ended in season 11 due to serious health issues. As per TVShowsAce, in 2019, a small scratch from an air-conditioning vent led to a dangerous infection, worsened by his diabetes. The infection spread to the bone in his foot, requiring two surgeries and a PICC line for IV antibiotics. Despite treatment, he faced repeated hospitalizations. About a year later, he was involved in another frightening accident, which added to his health troubles. These challenges ultimately forced him to step away from the physically demanding life of swamp hunting.
While removing a Pyrex dish from the oven, Big T accidentally dropped it, sending shattered glass across the floor. Some of the shards entered his foot unnoticed, leading to a hidden internal infection. By October 2020, the infection had worsened, landing him in the hospital once again. He underwent three back-to-back surgeries, further complicating his recovery. To manage rising medical costs, Big T started a fundraiser for support. Although he never had an official farewell after season 11, it’s clear his health struggles were a major reason for stepping away from the show.
Will Big T Ever Return To Swamp People?
Big T’s Future on Swamp People and His Current Status
According to Monsters&Critics, in July 2019, Big T’s friends in Breaux Bridge rallied around him by organizing a fundraiser. By that time, he had already been out of work for seven weeks due to health issues. Supporters were encouraged to donate items or money by reaching out directly to Big T or the staff at Bubba Borque’s Sports Bar in Louisiana. Later, in October 2020, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover his mounting medical expenses, as he remained hospitalized at the time.
Big T was seen in episode 12 of Swamp People season 12, where he and Daniel went hunting in the marsh. While Big T’s rifle skills are still a big asset to the Landry family and the crew, his injuries make it difficult for him to stay balanced while his partner wrestles with gators. Big T hasn’t returned to the show since then, but he remains active on social media. His posts suggest he’s dealing with some relationship issues, but he hasn’t shared any updates about the swamp or hunting.
Swamp People is available to stream on Hulu.
Source: TVShowsAce, Monsters&Critics, Joseph Richard/Facebook, GoFundMe
