Anthony Richardson Sr. has had a tumultuous tenure as an Indianapolis Colt. He’s gone from a top-five enticing draft pick who is a physically gifted, work-in-progress signal caller, to a relative afterthought labeled bust, who hasn’t capitalized on his potential all in the course of three seasons. Yet, with the current state of the Colts’ quarterback position and the questions that revolve around it, there’s a chance that Richardson could fall into favor again for Indy.
Colts reporter James Boyd spoke with Richardson on January 1, following team workouts. When asked about his future in Indianapolis, Richardson stated, “I haven’t necessarily thought about my future here because I don’t see anything wrong right now.”
“Right now” is the key takeaway from Boyd’s conversation with Richardson. The Colts quarterback is still on contract through next season, with the team having an option to extend his an additional year if they choose to pick up his fifth-year option.
Richardson also mentioned that he always wants his life to be better and that he’s continuing to push forward despite the setbacks he has faced. This could mean that despite his current role as a backup, he is still optimistic for an opportunity to be the face of the franchise. But it could also be an indication of life being more ideal in a new situation.
Richardson Still Confident His NFL Future Is Bright
GettyQuarterback Anthony Richardson has recorded 2,400 passing yards, 634 rushing yards, and 21 total touchdowns across 17 games played for the Indianapolis Colts.
Despite the ups and downs of his career, Richardson has been a consummate professional this season. When it was initially announced that Daniel Jones had won the starting quarterback job this season, Richardson stated, “You’ve got to respect the decision. You’ve got to respect it and just keep working.”
A very mature answer from a player who’s faced criticism for his decision-making and professionalism.
Richardson also stated that he was proud of the improvements he made in the offseason. When reflecting about Jones being named the starter, he said, “That doesn’t undermine any other work I’ve been putting in, doesn’t say that I haven’t improved.”
Richardson has now doubled down on the belief and confidence he has in his ability to succeed at the NFL level. Colts reporter Stephen Holder asked Richardson on Wednesday, Janauary 31, if it’s realistic that he can still reach his potential. “Oh, yeah, no doubt. If I’ve still got a chance to play football, then it’s all out there” Richardson said.
The Unfortunate Truth About Anthony Richardson
GettyIndianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. has now suffered two season-ending injuries in his three seasons at the NFL.
What many fans forget is that, despite his 6’4″ height and 244-pound frame, Richardson is still a 23-year-old kid. He was only 20 years old when he was drafted, and despite being a work in progress, he never got a real chance to develop. Freak injuries have derailed his first three seasons, with his latest, the orbital eye fracture, keeping him on injured reserve and out of the potential opportunity to end the season as a starter.
When Richardson has been healthy, he has made significant strides in his growth as a quarterback. Calling line protections, making full-progression defensive reads, and handling snap counts are all situations he rarely attempted at the University of Florida. Now three years into the NFL, you can see his comfort level with those concepts rising. But the unfortunate truth is that injuries have slowed down and stunted his growth. The Colts’ revolving door at quarterback has put coaches and fans in a desperate place for answers, which hasn’t allowed the patience for him to maximize his potential.
The Richardson expereince has been a roller-coaster combination of bad luck and bad timing. But he is still physically young, and still has one season remaining on his rookie contract with the Colts. With Daniel Jones recovering from his Achilles injury, his availability is questionable for the start of next year. The Colts also do not have a first-round pick in this year’s draft. The time may finally be right for Richardson to take the reins, and following another full offseason with the team with his confidence still high, this time, luck may just be on his side.
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