Colts Icon Has Stern Messages for Anthony Richardson

Former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee got honest about Anthony Richardson's performance against the Texans.

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) attempts a pass during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson had a brutal outing against the Houston Texans in a week eight loss to fall to 4-4 on the season. While many pundits, analysts, and experts have essentially picked apart Richardson's bad Sunday afternoon, Pat McAfee may have been the most expressive of the frustrations from watching Indianapolis' offensive struggles at NRG Stadium.

In an episode of The Pat McAfee Show, McAfee broke down the play where Richardson tapped out of the game and aired his feelings.

The Colts have a good team and they've paid everybody..

That game yesterday was for the lead in the AFC South #PMSLive https://t.co/MgQzsmChTW pic.twitter.com/NtkLHt0n6K

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 28, 2024

McAfee said: "I've never seen that before. I've never seen that in my life before out of a quarterback." Multiple talking heads throughout the NFL have shared similar reactions to McAfee's. He later continued:

"An NFL quarterback doesn't tap out of a game, especially if they're able to go play that's kind of a part of the position. That's kind of a thing. You're the face of the franchise, whenever you're tapping out, whenever you're healthy, what message are you sending to everybody in the building? Everybody in the locker room? In the entire city? The fanbase?"

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

Simply put, Richardson leaving the game for any reason other than an injury that has to sideline him is unacceptable in such an important game as week eight against the Texans. It's also a horrendous look to the teammates and coaches watching their QB. While Indy looked terrible with their passing offense and the receivers had issues helping Richardson, the team wasn't ever completely out of contention to win, falling by only three points. If Richardson and the rest of Shane Steichen's scheme squeeze out an additional play or two, perhaps the game ends differently and the Colts are 5-3 (2-2 divisional).

One final exclamation from McAfee was brief but serious, saying (about Richardson's actions): "You'll get your ass fired brother."

This will be a difficult week for Richardson to field questions about what happened against the Texans. However, the young field general and Indianapolis can't look to the past with a Sunday Night Football primetime matchup ahead against the Minnesota Vikings. We'll see what transpires for Indianapolis as they traverse an ocean of drama and headlines while trying to prepare for a tough opponent on the road.

---

Want more Colts content? Check out the latest episode of the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast!

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.