Carlie Irsay-Gordon, owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, expressed belief that Anthony Richardson, the team’s 2023 first-round draft pick, still has an opportunity to establish himself as the franchise’s starting quarterback. Irsay-Gordon emphasized that although this is a familiar discussion, there is now a greater urgency surrounding Richardson’s development as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
To foster that urgency, Richardson will face competition at the quarterback position in training camp, going head-to-head with veteran Daniel Jones, who was the sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in the 2019 draft.
Irsay-Gordon Highlights Time and Competition as Key Factors
In an extensive interview, Irsay-Gordon explained the importance of patience tempered with urgency in evaluating Richardson’s progress.
“Where he is in his career and in his deal as a rookie, we still have time,”
she said.
“He still has time to prove it. … Bring a sense of urgency. And nothing brings a sense of urgency more than competition.”
Her close involvement with the Colts’ front office traces back before her promotion as principal owner, a role that came amid the team’s succession plan initiated by the late Jim Irsay earlier this year.
Daniel Jones Joins Colts to Compete for Starting Role
Jones’s arrival in Indianapolis came after a turbulent period; he was released by the Giants at his own request last season and finished the year with the Minnesota Vikings. Jones did not start over Sam Darnold there but is now signed to a one-year, $14 million contract aimed at competing directly with Richardson for the QB1 job.
Both quarterbacks have faced issues with injuries and consistency. Richardson has battled shoulder soreness throughout the offseason, though general manager Chris Ballard noted the young quarterback has no restrictions entering training camp.
Performance Challenges Facing Both Quarterbacks
Last season, Richardson struggled with accuracy, completing just 47.7 percent of his passes, the lowest completion rate in the league. Meanwhile, Jones, age 28, appeared in only six games last season and has experienced turnover problems in his career, totaling 73 — including 47 interceptions and 26 lost fumbles — alongside 85 total touchdowns, which include 15 rushing scores during his time with New York.
Implications for Colts’ Quarterback Future
The Colts ownership’s willingness to foster competition at the quarterback position reflects the significance of this offseason for both players and the franchise. With Richardson entering his second year and a veteran like Jones on the roster, the forthcoming training camp will be a critical period for determining who will lead the team moving forward.
This competition will likely influence the offense’s trajectory and the Colts’ approach to building success around their quarterback choice for the upcoming NFL season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Anthony Richardson healthy?
A. Anthony Richardson, the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, is said to have healed from his injury. He is now set to compete with Daniel Jones for the starting position. Richardson, who is 23 years old, had to stop playing in the 2023 season due to surgery on his throwing shoulder for an AC joint sprain.
Q. How long did Anthony Richardson’s tattoo take?
A. Anthony Richardson, a key player for the Indianapolis Colts, spent seven hours under anesthesia for a large tattoo on his back. This tattoo represents his passion for both faith and gambling. It features images of an angel, a roulette wheel, a Spartan, and a lion.
Q. Does Anthony Richardson need surgery?
A. The doctor said Richardson doesn’t require another surgery. Now, the competition for the quarterback position between him and former Giants starter Daniel Jones can continue in Indianapolis.
Q. Why was Anthony Richardson tired?
A. The quarterback mentioned he took a break after feeling out of breath from running on earlier plays. “I was really tired, not going to lie,” Richardson shared after the game, according to Joel Erickson from USA Today. “I did a lot of running and didn’t expect to continue on the next play. I needed a rest then.”