Colts Coach Details Impressive Work Ethic of QB Anthony Richardson Ahead of Week 1

Indianapolis’s rookie appears ready to rock for Sunday’s season opener.

The Colts took a substantial risk drafting Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson fourth in the 2023 NFL draft. His raw talent has never been in question, but much of his college potential went unrealized as the Gators limped to a 6–7 record in his only full season starting.

However, early returns have been positive for Indianapolis. Colts coach Shane Steichen named Richardson the team’s starter on Aug. 15, and an anecdote Steichen shared Wednesday underlined how pleased Indianapolis has been with his progress.

Per Steichen, Richardson came into the Colts’ facility Tuesday—a scheduled day off—and worked for eight hours as Indianapolis’s opener nears.

“Yes, other quarterbacks do this,” ESPN’s Stephen Holder added as commentary in a tweet, “but this is in line with everything his teammates have said about his professionalism.”

Colts HC Shane Steichen: QB Anthony Richardson spent eight hours at the Colts facility on Tuesday on a players' day off, getting a jump on preparation for Sunday's opener.

Yes, other QBs do this, but this is in line w everything his teammates have said about his professionalism.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 6, 2023

The Colts are scheduled to begin their season on Sunday against the Jaguars, in which they will start a rookie quarterback in an opener for the first time since Andrew Luck in 2012.