After Daniel Jones secured the starting quarterback position with the Indianapolis Colts in late March, Anthony Richardson acknowledged his new role as backup. Despite high expectations as a top prospect from Florida, Richardson faces challenges in his young career due to injuries and now competing from a secondary position.
Following head coach Shane Steichen’s announcement of Jones as the Week 1 starter, Richardson spoke to the media with a measured and optimistic outlook on his future contributions to the team.
Colts analyst Kevin Bowen conveyed Richardson’s initial reaction to being named backup:
“They feel like he’s a better fit for the team, better fit for the outcome of us winning. So you just gotta respect it and keep working.”
—Kevin Bowen, Colts Analyst
Richardson emphasized that the decision does not diminish his progress or efforts, highlighting the continuous improvement he has made since joining the league.
“That doesn’t undermine any of the work I’ve been putting in, it doesn’t say I haven’t improved,”
“I’m proud of the improvement I’ve made. Shane [Steichen] is also proud of that, so just gotta keep stacking on that. Just keep getting better.”
—Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts Quarterback
Despite facing setbacks such as injuries and inconsistent performances, Richardson remains committed to developing his skills and contributing when given the opportunity.
Assessing Richardson’s NFL Progress and Prospects for the 2025 Season
Richardson’s first two NFL seasons have been marked by limited playing time and notable challenges. With only 15 games under his belt so far, injuries have restricted his ability to consistently display the potential he showed at Gainesville.
In 2023, Richardson completed 50 of 84 passes for 577 yards, throwing three touchdowns against a single interception. His athleticism was evident on the ground, accumulating 136 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry.
His 2024 campaign involved appearances in 11 games, yet the statistics reflected some struggles. His touchdown-to-interception ratio declined to 8-12, and his completion percentage dropped by over 10 percent. He also recorded seven fumbles but demonstrated sustained rushing effectiveness with 499 yards and six rushing touchdowns. Across both seasons, he has not registered a quarterback rating above 50.
Daniel Jones, who was also a high draft pick with strong expectations, has experienced a mixed NFL tenure but holds the starting role ahead of Richardson. Nevertheless, the younger quarterback remains driven, with ample motivation to prove his value and reclaim a leading position in Indianapolis.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Richardson and the Colts
While Richardson’s early career has presented obstacles, his response to being named the Colts’ backup quarterback shows resilience and dedication. Continuing to develop under Shane Steichen’s coaching staff, Richardson’s determination could translate into future opportunities to compete for the starting position.
The competition between Richardson and Daniel Jones highlights the Colts’ commitment to building a winning team, with both quarterbacks bringing different strengths. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the season unfolds to see how Richardson’s role evolves and what impact he will have on the Colts’ offense in the coming years.