Colts' Richardson shares mindset after injury ended rookie season

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Colts' Anthony Richardson shares mindset after injury ended rookie season

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 4/8/24

Next season, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson wants to remind fans why he was the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Richardson underwent season-ending surgery on his right shoulder in October. He resumed throwing in February and is determined to make an impact when he returns to the field.

"I've never waited this long to get back to playing football," Richardson told ESPN's Stephen Holder. "I'm just on a mission this year. Once that mission's complete, then I'll be good.

Richardson only started in four games last season, but he showed why he could eventually become a franchise QB. The 21-year-old completed 59.5% of his passes for 577 yards, three TDs and one pick. He also rushed for 136 yards and four TDs on 36 carries.

Anthony Richardson has two rushing TDs less than six minutes into the game!

: #INDvsHOU on FOX⁰: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/QfJYDVcoD2
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023

"People didn't really get to see everything I could do on the field," Richardson said. "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."

The Colts are a solid situation for a young passer. Head coach Shane Steichen mentored star QBs Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts while he served as an offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles.

Plus, they have a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver in Michael Pittman Jr. The 26-year-old had 109 receptions in 16 games last season, the fifth-most in the league.

Perhaps Richardson will become the difference-maker Indianapolis needs. Last season, the Colts went 9-8, but they missed the playoffs after they fell to the Houston Texans 23-19 in their regular-season finale.

More must-reads: