Anthony Richardson, the former standout quarterback from the Florida Gators, has officially been designated as the backup quarterback (QB2) for the Indianapolis Colts for the 2026 NFL season. This decision comes after Richardson had previously expressed a desire to be traded earlier in the offseason, but he will remain with the Colts for the time being.
Richardson's journey in professional football began when the Colts selected him as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, following an impressive collegiate career at Florida. During his tenure with the Gators, he showcased his dual-threat capabilities, which made him an appealing choice for Indianapolis.
In his rookie season, Richardson saw limited action, completing 38 of 64 passes, which translates to a completion rate of 59.4 percent, accumulating 529 passing yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also demonstrated his mobility, rushing for 401 yards and scoring three touchdowns on 51 carries. His performance hinted at the potential that the Colts hoped to harness.
As a starting quarterback in the 2022 season, Richardson's statistics improved, but he still faced challenges. He completed 53.8 percent of his passes for 2,549 yards, throwing 17 touchdowns against nine interceptions. His ground game remained a significant aspect of his play, as he rushed for 654 yards and nine touchdowns over 103 attempts. However, despite his explosive playmaking ability, his overall passing accuracy has been a concern during his early career.
Throughout his first three seasons in the NFL, Richardson has played in 17 games, completing just over half of his passes at 50.6 percent, totaling 2,400 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. On the ground, he has been more effective, running for 634 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns on 115 carries, showcasing his potential as a dual-threat quarterback.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Richardson will be backing up Daniel Jones, who is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Colts. This season is particularly crucial for Richardson, as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. Should Jones face any injuries, Richardson may have the chance to step in and prove himself further.
In a recent statement, Richardson expressed gratitude for being promoted to the QB2 position, saying, "I’m honored. … I’m just thankful that they believe in me enough to promote me to QB2." Despite his earlier trade request, he seems focused on his current role with the Colts, stating, "I’m here. I’m not really thinking about that. I haven’t talked to my agent about that."
The Colts and their fans hope that Richardson can recapture the success he had at the University of Florida and develop into a star player in the NFL. With a blend of talent and determination, Richardson's future remains a point of interest as he continues his professional career.
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