Indianapolis Colts star Anthony Richardson experienced a season-ending shoulder injury that interrupted what was shaping up to be an impressive rookie campaign. However, he is now poised to return to full health and demonstrate his potential as the face of the Colts franchise.
During the 2023 season, Richardson played in only four games, showcasing his dual-threat ability to throw the football and excel in the running game. With hopes of playing a full season, Richardson informed the media on Thursday that he is “ready for training camp” and “feeling really good,” as reported by Amanda Foster of the Colts website.
“I’m ready for training camp and I’m feeling really good,” Richardson stated. “I’ve been doing it all, you know, we’ve got a game coming up soon, so I’ve got to be ready.”
Despite his current positive outlook, it remains uncertain if he will be at 100 percent for training camp or if he will be completely unrestricted. When asked about potential limitations due to his injury history and his readiness for Colts training camp, Richardson responded with a smile.
“You’ll see next week once I’m slinging that thing again,” Richardson said with a grin, according to Foster. “So just stay tuned.” He also spoke about his recovery and goals for the upcoming season, making a surprise appearance at Speedway High School to talk with the football team and present new helmets, the same kind he uses. Despite also suffering a concussion last season, he emphasized personal responsibility and wanted to show his appreciation to the young players.
“I’ve got to make myself available,” Richardson explained about his visit to the high school. “If I would just donate the helmets, they wouldn’t know if it was truly me. So why not come out here and show some love and shake hands with them.”
At 22 years old, Richardson has embraced his role with the composure of a seasoned quarterback, demonstrating the traits that likely led the Colts to draft him with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
“It means a lot to be able to give back in the position I’m in,” Richardson said. “I’ve always been a giver. My mom, she’s given me almost everything I’ve got to this day, so I kind of embraced that from her. So whenever I get the opportunity to give and just help somebody out, I’m running towards that.”
Richardson received high praise from Colts legend Dwight Freeney, who played on the defensive line from 2002 to 2012. Impressed by Richardson’s size, Freeney humorously suggested he should play “defensive end,” according to his appearance on Steve Wyche’s podcast “The Insiders.”
“Man, he should be playing defensive end,” Freeney remarked. “I tell you! I mean you know, but no, he does a great job, and I was very surprised by his poise. I think that was the biggest thing. When you’re a rookie, sometimes you get out there, and it’s like ‘a deer in the headlights.’ You don’t know what to do. You just run because you can run, and you lean on that.”
Freeney also advised Richardson to “get down a little bit sooner” to avoid injuries, stressing the importance of staying healthy for the entire season.
“The games I saw him play, he stood in the pocket,” Freeney said. “He made the right throws, and when he had to run, he was effective. The only thing I would say is ‘get down a little bit sooner.’ (Laughing) These guys are out here trying to hit you. Hit you hard. And you’re one of the faces of the franchise, and we need you for the entire season. Not just for a few games. So take that into account, as you run thirty yards downfield past a linebacker or a corner or somebody like that.”
According to a rival scout in the AFC South, Richardson is comparable to Baltimore Ravens MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson or former Carolina Panthers star Cam Newton. The scout suggested that if Richardson had played a full season, he might have challenged Houston Texans star C.J. Stroud for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
“Saw enough out of Anthony Richardson to understand he’s a cross between Lamar Jackson and Cam Newton as a runner and has some real upside as a passer,” the scout told Athlon Sports. “If he played a full season, I think he would have been challenging C.J. Stroud for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.”
Richardson faces high expectations as he aims to improve the Colts after their 9-8 record last season, which placed them third in the AFC South. The upcoming season kicks off against the Texans on Sunday, Sept. 8.
