Rookie Anthony Richardson’s Teammates Elated, but Irsay Isn’t Sold Yet
Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has been the talk of the town. Garnering impressive reviews from teammates during the team’s spring practices, Richardson has shown promising signs that he may be just the player the Colts need. However, the franchise’s owner, Jim Irsay, seems to be holding his applause.
What Colts Players Are Saying About Anthony Richardson
Richardson, who was selected fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, is stepping up to the challenge. With him taking first-team reps for the Colts in Organized Team Activities (OTAs), his performance has been making waves, especially among his veteran teammates.
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin, during a recent appearance on the Jim Rome Show, praised Richardson’s work ethic and playmaking abilities. He emphasized that Richardson “has been making some plays,” and that he believes the rookie quarterback has “everything to be special.”
Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie, another addition to the Colts, joined the chorus of praise. Echoing Franklin’s statements, he described Richardson as a hardworking, coachable young player with a great arm, accuracy, and the ability to make good reads.
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But Irsay Hasn’t Fully Won Over Jim Irsay…Yet
Yet, despite the mounting admiration from his teammates, Richardson has yet to fully win over Colts owner Jim Irsay. Speaking to The Athletic’s James Boyd, Irsay acknowledged Richardson’s “superhero” skills but emphasized the importance of translating those skills into NFL-level performance. “No quarterback has brought those skills to the table, that athletic testing,” Irsay commented, adding, “We’re not drafting Olympic athletes. We’re drafting football players.”
In college, despite his athletic prowess, Richardson struggled to translate his skills into on-field production. Last season, his only full season as a starter, he recorded 2,549 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, with a completion rate of 53.8 percent.
What Does Coach Steichen Think?
However, Colts head coach Shane Steichen, who reportedly helped convince Irsay to draft Richardson, will be entrusted with honing Richardson’s raw talent. His track record as the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator for the past two seasons speaks to his ability to mold talent into performance.
If Richardson can follow a similar trajectory under Steichen’s guidance, he could prove to be the long-term answer at quarterback that the Colts have been seeking since Andrew Luck’s retirement in 2019.
It’s still early days, and while Richardson has managed to impress his veteran teammates during the first week of OTAs, the real test will be whether he can maintain this momentum, win over Irsay, and help the Colts win games. Only time will tell if this rookie can live up to the high expectations and become the franchise’s quarterback of the future.
