Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has spent the past two weeks on the bench—an experience that, while short in the grand scheme of an NFL season, has felt long for a young quarterback who is still learning the ins and outs of professional football. During this period, the 22-year-old Richardson watched from the sidelines, studying the game and working on his craft while veteran Joe Flacco took over as the starter.
Now, Richardson is back in action, as Colts head coach Shane Steichen officially named him the team’s starting quarterback once again on Wednesday.
Richardson is set to return to the field this Sunday, leading the Colts against the New York Jets. Speaking to reporters shortly after the news broke, Richardson opened up about what he had learned from his time on the bench and the perspective it provided him.
“It just showed I’m willing to be a pro. I’m willing to sacrifice anything that I need to do for the team,” Richardson said. “I feel like these past two weeks have definitely opened my eyes and allowed me to have the opportunity to do that—to take a deeper dive into myself and see what I’m made of.”
Richardson’s comments reflect a newfound maturity and understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NFL. It hasn’t been an easy journey for the young quarterback, who was selected fourth overall by the Colts in the 2024 NFL Draft. Richardson’s first season has been full of ups and downs, as he has faced the challenges that come with being a rookie quarterback in one of the most demanding positions in professional sports.
The 2024 season has been a difficult one for Richardson statistically, as he has thrown four touchdowns against seven interceptions in his six starts. The struggles led to Richardson being benched in favor of Flacco, who brought his years of experience to the table.
However, Flacco also faced challenges in his time as the starter, and his performance left room for Richardson to regain his opportunity. With Flacco unable to provide a significant boost to the offense, the coaching staff decided to turn back to their young signal-caller, eager to see how he has grown during his time off the field.
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For Richardson, the experience of watching from the sidelines provided valuable lessons that he hopes to apply to his game moving forward. Sitting behind a veteran like Flacco allowed Richardson to see the game from a different perspective, gaining insights into the nuances of reading defenses, managing game situations, and making quick decisions under pressure.
“I’m thankful for these past two weeks, and I’m low-key glad to have had them,” Richardson added. “It wasn’t easy at first, but it was necessary. I got to see what it means to be a true professional, how to handle adversity, and how to stay ready even when you’re not the guy on the field. It gave me a chance to reset, learn, and come back stronger.”
The young quarterback also expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from both his teammates and the coaching staff during his time on the bench.
He noted that their encouragement helped him stay focused and motivated, even when he wasn’t playing. “The guys in the locker room have had my back, and Coach Steichen has been great with helping me understand what I need to do better,” Richardson said. “That kind of support means a lot, and it’s something I want to pay back by going out there and giving my all for this team.”
As the Colts prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Jets, all eyes will be on Richardson to see how he responds to being back in the starting role.
With the season still in progress and the Colts looking to build some momentum, Richardson understands the importance of making the most of this opportunity. He is determined to prove that the time spent on the bench was a period of growth rather than a setback, and he aims to show that he can lead the team effectively.
The upcoming game against the Jets is a chance for Richardson to showcase the improvements he has made, both mentally and physically. It is an opportunity for him to demonstrate that he has taken the lessons learned during his time off the field to heart, and that he is ready to take the next step in his development as an NFL quarterback.
For Richardson, this is about more than just reclaiming his starting job—it’s about proving to himself, his teammates, and the fans that he belongs in this league and that he has what it takes to lead the Colts moving forward.
With renewed focus and a better understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a professional quarterback, Richardson is eager to make the most of his return to the field.
The next chapter of his rookie season begins on Sunday, and both he and the Colts are hoping it will be a turning point for the young quarterback and the team as a whole.
