Colts Anthony Richardson to be Youngest Starting QB in 2024

For the second straight season, Indianapolis Colts Anthony Richardson will be the youngest quarterback to start.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws a pass during the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Broncos defeated the Colts 34-30. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

For the second straight year, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will be the youngest signal-caller to start a game. This became a reality once the New England Patriots decided to start former Colts QB Jacoby Brissett over rookie Drake Maye (21).

While Richardson’s short tenure in the league has already been peppered with injuries (AC joint sprain, most notably), he’s young enough to overcome early setbacks and get back on track with a coach like Shane Steichen. Richardson has a coaching staff surrounding him with Steichen, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, QB coach Cam Turner, and pass game coordinator Alex Tanney who can help fast-track his development. Each coach is a quarterback specialist who will help smooth out the roughest edges in Richardson’s fundamentals and techniques.

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) throws a pass in the first quarter at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Another comforting fact is that Richardson's most notable offensive weapons are also young and will grow with him as an NFL player in the years ahead. Michael Pittman Jr. (26), Josh Downs (23), Alec Pierce (24), Adonai Mitchell (21), and Jonathan Taylor (25), proving that Indianapolis may have one of the league's youngest overall offenses. If Richardson can get 2024 off to a strong start, Indianapolis has the potential to finish the year as a top-10 offensive unit and push back earlier detractors.

Steichen was also asked about his thoughts on Richardson's age, here's what the second-year head coach said of his QB: “How unique is that? Very unique. It's pretty special if you think about it. 22-year-old starting quarterback in the NFL. Blessed, fortunate, for him and his abilities to be out there with our guys for sure.”

2024 is on tap to be a big season for Richardson and the Colts offense. If Richardson can find his stride early and build momentum with receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Adonai Mitchell, Josh Downs, and running back Jonathan Taylor, Indy might have one of the most dominant offensive attacks for 2024. We'll see what happens in the days leading up to September 8th.

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