Former Gators QB Anthony Richardson Deemed Colts Week One Starter

Former Florida Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson will start for the Indianapolis Colts in week one.

Photo: Anthony Richardson; Credit: Alex Shepherd

There’s a new sheriff in Indianapolis.

On Tuesday, first-year Colts head coach Shane Steichen named former Gators quarterback Anthony Richardson as the team’s starting signal caller for week one.

Richardson earned the job after a camp battle with Gardner Minshew. He will face off with the Jacksonville Jaguars in his first career game in the NFL.

Richardson, a one year starter at the University of Florida, presented elite traits while commanding Billy Napier’s offense in 2022. He consistently showcased unique arm strength, impressive instincts in the pocket, accuracy targeting over 25 yards and a dynamic rushing ability to escape pressure and make explosive plays with his legs.

Despite showing inconsistencies —including short-to-intermediate accuracy and decision making lapses — in leading the Gators to a 6-6 record under his command, the athleticism and intangibles he possessed created strong pre-draft buzz for potential top five selection.

Sitting at No. 4, the Colts took a chance on Richardson’s upside, pinning down their franchise quarterback.

The 21-year-old ends a string of veteran plug-ins starting for Indianapolis over the past four seasons, with Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan operating at the helm for the franchise prior.

Despite skepticism for Richardson’s transition to the NFL, the Colts have committed to allowing the rookie to take his lumps as he receives valuable in-game reps, something he lacked outside of 2022 in Gainesville.

Richardson and the Colts will play host to the reigning AFC South champions in Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars in week one on Sept. 10.

The contest will kickoffs at 1 p.m. on CBS.

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