ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 04: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Anthony Richardson sends clear message as he prepares for NFL comeback season
Anthony Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft but his rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury – now the quarterback is preparing for his comeback
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is warning the NFL that his best is yet to come following his season-ending right shoulder injury during his rookie year.
The 21-year-old demonstrated promise in his ground game during his four-game stint prior to his injury, after being drafted fourth overall by Indianapolis in last year’s NFL Draft. Richardson, who’s been throwing for a couple of months now, is set to return when the 2024 NFL season kicks off in September, and has promised fans and rival players alike that they haven’t seen his full potential yet.
“People didn’t really get to see everything I could do on the field,” he explained. “So, it’s kind of like a rookie season for me still. But now I’ve gained a lot more knowledge and understanding about football and the NFL.
“So, I’m a rookie at heart, but now I’m slowly turning into the leader that my team needs me to be. I’m ready for every opportunity that’s in front of me.”
While Richardson was recovering, the Colts relied on Gardner Minshew, leading the team to a 9-8 finish and third position in the highly competitive AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Texans. The Colts’ playoff aspirations last year were dashed in their final game of the season against Houston, where they were beaten 23-19.
Head coach Shane Steichen is already buzzing with anticipation for Richardson’s comeback. “You could see even when he played this year early on, he had a really good feel where to go with the football,” Steichen expressed.
