Richard told The Times-Picayune of New Orleans he doesn't think it was a coincidence, either.
"I look at this as God telling me to put my cell phone in that pocket, and I'm grateful and humbled," he said.
Doctors told Richard the bullet came at an angle, which along with the cell phone probably prevented serious injury.
Deputies are investigating the case, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain said. He said the case should serve as a serious warning that people should consider the consequences before firing a gun.
However, Strain said investigators don't believe the shooting was intentional.