Florida QB Anthony Richardson Sends Powerful Message to Colts, NFL
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Florida’s Anthony Richardson, one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL draft, took to social media to reach all 32 NFL general managers and coaches. This included the quarterback-needy Indianapolis Colts.
Richardson describes how he has gotten to this point in his letter via The Player’s Tribune. He's trying to cement his case to be taken ahead of the other top QB prospects in the 2023 draft with a powerful statement to NFL teams in the market.
So, to all the coaches and GMs who are reading this: See you at the draft. If you call the name Anthony Richardson, I promise that you won’t regret it.
We learned that Richardson’s uncle Tanka was a massive part of his life. He inspired his nephew to pursue his football dreams.
It all probably starts with my Uncle Tanka. I wouldn’t be here writing this letter right now if it weren’t for him.
Later, Richardson describes moving to Florida, where, not long after, he learned of his uncle's passing.
We moved to Gainesville when I was in sixth grade. I think I was there for about a year, maybe, when my mom told me that my uncle was in the hospital, and he had passed away.
This was a massive loss, as his Uncle inspired Richardson to pursue football.
To finish the introduction, Anthony says, “At that point, I made a promise to myself that I was going to do everything in my power to get to the NFL.” This proved to be the initial catapult that inspired him to pursue professional football.
One area of criticism for Richardson has been whether he’s ready to start for an NFL team. He replies to these critiques.
I know a lot of y’all want to know if I’m ready to step onto a professional team. I keep hearing that the NFL isn’t like college. It’s a different level. It’s more mental. Nothing’s going to be handed to you. I can tell you right now, if that’s what it takes then I’m ready. All due respect, that’s nothing new for me — it’s the same in life. If you want to eat, you gotta work for it. I know all about that.
With the struggles that he, his mother, and his brother Corey have dealt with, Richardson feels prepared for any level of adversity that the league will toss in his direction.
Didn’t have new clothes, had to wash the ones we did have in the sink. Didn’t always have the best apartment. But my mom always worked for everything. Didn’t question it, didn’t complain. She just did what she had to do.
These are the words of a quarterback ready to prove himself and inspired by someone who has the drive to work tirelessly. With the words “must be obsessed with their craft” from Colts head coach Shane Steichen, this checks the box a few times over.
Richardson also goes into detail about how the game of football essentially raised him. He was happy in the atmosphere.
Being a part of football teams gave me a chance to look up to people and find mentors, because my dad wasn’t always there.
Richardson also attributes credit to coach Dan Mullen at Florida, calling him a “quarterback guru.” This could lend the notion that maybe Richardson’s not quite as raw as previously thought.
As the address nears the conclusion, Richardson makes sure to mention his love for his family and how he owes them everything. This type of appreciation and reflection upon one’s life and who’s helped them will ping interest from multiple NFL clubs.
Will the Colts be the team to take the swing on the most athletic quarterback in NFL draft history? With an honest and heartfelt story like that, mixed with the sky-high potential, it will be hard for GM Chris Ballard to deny Richardson on April 27.
