Richardson officially named Colts' Week 1 starter
The Indianapolis Colts announced Tuesday that rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will start Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Colts drafted Richardson fourth overall in April as the third passer off the board after Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers) and C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans). Richardson beat out Gardner Minshew for Indy's starting job. Minshew joined the team this offseason after backing up Jalen Hurts on the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.
"I'm all-in with what we got going," Minshew said Tuesday, according to Kevin Bowen of 1075 The Fan. "I can't stress enough, I'm really excited about Anthony. I think he's going to be really special."
With Richardson taking over in 2023, Indy will have its eighth different Week 1 quarterback in as many seasons, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.
"Honestly, I was shocked," Richardson said about being named the starter so soon, per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "I've been grinding, putting in the work to get the title, but it's not really all about the title. I'm just trying to make sure I'm ready for the team. Despite being labeled as QB1, I've still got other guys in the room helping me to get to that standard. I'm forever thankful for them. I appreciate them and I'm glad I did get the nod and have the trust of everybody in the building."
The Florida product, who started one season with the Gators before turning pro, was considered one of the most promising and gifted quarterbacks in his draft class due to his arm strength and athletic ability.
"I like the progress he's made," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said, according to Jake Arthur of Horseshoe Huddle. "Excited about his future and his playmaking ability that he brings to this football team."
Indianapolis has been searching for stability at quarterback since Andrew Luck surprisingly retired prior to the 2019 season. The Colts, who haven't won any playoff games in the last four years, employed multiple veteran signal-callers in recent seasons, including Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan.
With Richardson and first-year coach Steichen, Indy is kicking off a new era. The team hired Steichen, who was the Eagles' offensive coordinator from 2021-22, after going 4-12-1 in 2022.
The new-look Colts hope to end the franchise's long losing streak in season openers, as Indianapolis hasn't won a Week 1 matchup since 2013.