Colts Anthony Richardson Adjusting to Life in the NFL
NFL Draft weekend was a whirlwind for Anthony Richardson.
The new quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts went from being a 20-year-old college kid at Florida to the face of an NFL franchise in mere seconds. Richardson was pulled in a million directions as he realized his NFL dream. Interviews, photo ops, flights on private jets, and moving to a new city have all been a part of his life since the draft.
Speaking at rookie minicamp this weekend, Richardson opened up about how the last week has gone. From a crazy draft weekend to meeting his draft mates and teammates, things are finally starting to settle down for the rookie.
"I think that Monday it just felt normal," Richardson admitted on Saturday. "I’m like, ‘Okay. No more draft, no more people talking. No more politics, anything. Just football now.’ Just walking around the house, walking around the city, I’m like, ‘Okay, it’s life now.’ I’ve just got to play football and do the right stuff.”
Through the craziness of the NFL Draft, Richardson was concerned about one thing the whole time. When can I get into the playbook? When can I get into the facility? It has been all about football for the rookie.
Luckily for Richardson, he did not have to wait long for the Colts to give him homework as he prepares to take the field.
“Got (the playbook) the day after the draft," Richardson explained. "They gave it to me. They gave me a basic install so I can get familiar with things, kind of get ahead. I feel like I’m working through it pretty well, getting familiar with it, accustomed to it. Just trying to get better with it every day.”
Going from Florida's offense to that of Shane Steichen will be quite the jump for Richardson. Richardson is still fairly raw when it comes to his football experience and being comfortable in a specific offensive system. He only amassed 13 starts in his time with the Gators while going through two different head coaches with two offensive systems.
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But Richardson sees his Florida experience as an advantage. Because he had to learn multiple offenses in college and work with different coaches, the rookie believes that will help him transition to the pro game as he learns the playbook and his new coaches in Indy.
“Adjusting throughout my college career, getting new coaches all the time, learning new coaching styles, new playbooks, stuff in that sort – it kind of helps you adapt and adjust to certain things," Richardson revealed. "Coming here and just getting a feel for the coaches and adapting to how they coach me, how they communicate, I think I’ve been doing that pretty well. But it’s good, even being here and being able to be coached by them. I think I’m adjusted pretty well.”
Richardson will need to lean on those experiences as he transitions from college to the pros. Many quarterbacks struggle to fully grasp an NFL playbook. The size of the playbook is much larger. The play calls are much longer than in college. If it were easy, there would be more successful quarterbacks in the NFL.
The biggest thing the rookie has to his advantage is what he has between his ears. Richardson is very smart, and the kid out of Gainsville is mature beyond his years. He does not seem like he is 20 years old but rather a seasoned veteran. It is a marathon, not a sprint, and Richardson has been taking his time to ensure he has a good grasp on things rather than rushing through the playbook all at once.
“The biggest challenge, I would say – the timing of it," he said. "Trying not to rush into it and try and get too far ahead. Just trying to grasp as much information as I can – not trying to necessarily rush into it. Just trying to perfect certain things so I can get better out there in practice.”
While the saying "practice makes perfect" is cliché, it describes exactly what Richardson needs. Reps will be invaluable for the rookie quarterback. Whether in practice or a live-game setting, Richardson needs those reps to continue progressing with his game, improving his mechanics, and learning how to play the quarterback position at an NFL level.
Those reps began this week at the Colts' rookie minicamp. Richardson took the practice field for the first time on Friday, donning the Horseshoe on the side of his helmet and a No.5 red practice jersey. It finally felt real.
“That was the best part," Richardson said with a smile. "Yesterday coming out to practice, it was exciting. No more lining up for the 40, no more getting ready to do this certain drop. Now it’s all ball. I’m out there with my teammates having fun. So, that was definitely exciting. I just had a big old smile on my face the whole day.
“It’s different, but it feels good. I’m excited. I’ve been all smiles. I’ve been grateful to be here. I’m extremely thankful to be here. It’s exciting. All I’ve got to worry about is football and making sure I’m doing the right things in life. That’s the best part. I get to play with great guys and got great coaches so I’m very thankful for this organization and I’m happy.”
Richardson has already been forming a bond with one of his teammates. Richardson and fellow rookie wide receiver Josh Downs connected on Thursday night at the team hotel when Downs texted Richardson asking if he wanted to throw. Richardson, of course, was ready to go. The two threw a football around in the parking lot for around 30 minutes that night and already began to build a connection.
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"First day in, we were going through medical and all that," Richardson remembered. "I went in the equipment room and got a football so I could be accustomed with it, feel it around a little bit. He saw me carrying it around. I knew he wanted to work because he’s a dog, he’s going to want to work. I think we had just finished a meeting or something and he texted me, ‘When we get to the hotel, do you want to throw?’ I was like, ‘Yeah man. I’m down for it.’ We threw the ball for like 30 minutes, chopped it up and got to know him a little bit. He’s a dog, he’s always ready to work.”
He continued, "Just trying to get familiar with him in the parking lot. Just toss it around, see what he can do, see his range and stuff. Going out there on the field just trying to get timing right. He has great hands. I’m going to try and deliver the ball the best that I can to him – just get him the ball so he can work.”
The last time the Colts drafted a quarterback in the first and third rounds was in 2012 with Andrew Luck and T.Y. Hilton. That tandem went on to be one of the best in the NFL until Luck retired in 2019. While it is obviously way-too-early to predict how the connection between Richardson and Downs will work out, history has a funny way of repeating itself.
But for now, Richardson is just focused on getting better every day. He is living out his dream and wants to soak up everything as best as he can. Richardson thrives off of the work and has an innate desire to not only be great but be one of the greatest of all time.
As the Colts conclude rookie minicamp on Sunday, the rookies will not be back in the building for another week. For Richardson, that does not mean he gets a week off. Whether he can be in the facility or not, the work has only just begun for the rookie quarterback.
"I believe the rookies have to leave next week and we can’t be in the building, but if I was able to stay, I would definitely stay because I’m excited to be here and I don’t think I want to leave.”
The legend of Anthony Richardson has only just begun.
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