For Anthony Richardson, his new diet started with a single, honest realization: the Skittles had to go.
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback, now entering a pivotal third season, is taking a more serious approach to his development, and it begins with cutting sugar and cleaning up his diet.
“I had to cut the sweets out, man,” Richardson said this week. “It’s the candy. I used to be big on Skittles and all that stuff, just eating candy all the time. So, I’ve been just trying to cut out the sugary stuff and hydrate more. I need to be more of a pro when it comes to my eating.”
Richardsonâs improved habits have already had visible effects. Heâs dropped 10 pounds this offseason (down to 240) and looks noticeably leaner. But more importantly, the shift reflects a quarterback responding to a series of humbling moments and doing what it takes to seize control of his career.
Wake Up Call
GettyBreakout or Bench
Injuries and uneven play derailed Richardsonâs 2024 season and left the Colts unsure if he could be their long term answer at quarterback. That uncertainty led to the signing of veteran Daniel Jones on a one year, $14 million deal, turning the QB1 role into a true competition.
It was a jolt for Richardson, and one that sparked serious self reflection. “I just feel like the things I was doing last year and the year before, I feel like there was more [to do],” Richardson said. “All the greats, they always do more. They do more than what other people are expecting them to do.”
That âmoreâ now includes getting to the facility earlier, staying later, and zeroing in on the finer points of quarterbacking. One area of focus: footwork, a weakness that helped fuel an NFL-worst 4.0% interception rate and NFL worst 47.7% completion percentage among starting QBs last season.
“When your feet are right, your timing is right,” Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said. “You’re in rhythm, the ball comes out a little more rhythmically. The feet lead the whole thing. So, when your feet are off… you don’t throw the ball as well as you should.”
Richardsonâs offseason training included work with private coaches to address that very issue, and itâs already paying off in camp. His footwork has tightened, and as a result, so has his accuracy.
A Real Shot
GettyAnthony Richardson Knows This Season Will Define His NFL Future
Richardson hasnât been perfect this summer. Camp has brought its share of inconsistencies. But his improved decision making, cleaner footwork, and visible effort are keeping him firmly in the running to start Week 1.
“[He] has all the potential in the world, and if he wants to prove it, he can,” team owner Irsay-Gordon said. “And he will if he wants to.”
Now, itâs up to Richardson to show heâs serious about chasing that potential. “If I want to be a great and I want to be in the Hall of Fame one day, I have to do more. I know I have to go do things that other people won’t do.”
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