Anthony Richardson is no stranger to quarterback battles. He won one as a rookie to become the Indianapolis Colts’ starter. Now as he enters a pivotal third season, he’s gearing up for another, this time against newly signed veteran Daniel Jones.
Despite the competition and questions surrounding his development, Richardson is embracing the challenge head-on.
“Competition brings the best out of you,” Richardson said Tuesday as the Colts kicked off voluntary offseason workouts. “That’s just how life works. You’ve got to compete and get better, because somebody next to you is trying to outwork you. Competition, I love it.”
The Colts’ decision to bring in Jones, a former first-round pick of the New York Giants, underscores that Richardson’s job is far from secure. Selected No. 4 overall in 2023, Richardson has yet to deliver consistently, largely due to injuries and inconsistent play.
In his first two NFL seasons, he’s appeared in just 15 of a possible 34 games, completing only 50.6% of his passes for 2,391 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He’s also added 10 rushing scores and 645 yards on the ground.
But with durability concerns and accuracy issues lingering, the Colts front office is clearly pushing for more from the young quarterback. Still, Richardson isn’t rattled by the extra pressure.
“I definitely don’t take it personal,” he said. “I love working. I love getting better. So whenever there’s an opportunity for me to go chase that, why not do it?”
At just 22, Richardson remains a raw but promising talent. His time at Florida was brief, just 24 games over three years, and his NFL trajectory has been hampered by injuries and limited reps. But with time ticking and the league moving fast, Indianapolis is demanding results.
Enter Daniel Jones. Jones, the No. 6 overall pick in 2019, spent six up-and-down seasons with the Giants before a short stint in Minnesota. Like Richardson, he’s had to navigate instability, coaching changes, and injury setbacks. Now in Indy, he offers both competition and mentorship.
Richardson is eager to learn. “The main thing I want to learn from him is how to navigate the pressure, how to stay focused when things aren’t going the best,” Richardson said. “He’s a smart guy. I’m looking forward to learning everything he has to offer and just getting better as a team.”
The Colts still have months before naming a starter, but Richardson’s mindset seems dialed in. He knows the stakes and he’s not shying away.
“Everybody can look at the situation differently,” he said. “I just like to say I’m blessed. I still have an opportunity to be in the NFL, to go out there and compete and win the job. I’m excited to work. It kind of feels like I just got drafted again.”
