The Colts’ second-year quarterback may have presented the football world with bulletin board material, but his explanation for this ‘hot take’ is worth hearing before dismissing him as presumptuous.
Anthony Richardson is still rehabilitating from a season-ending shoulder injury that prevented him from completing his rookie season. His rookie season got off to a fast start, with 7 touchdowns (4 running) in just four games before being shut down for the rest of the season. Fast forward to now, and Richardson is roughly 95% healthy (his words, not mine), just in time to prepare for training camp.
Mandatory minicamp and OTAs have since completed, and Richardson joined the Club520 Podcast, hosted by Indiana native and former Pacer Jeff Teague, to discuss life, basketball, and everything in between. One point that stood out during this interview was Richardson’s declaration that playing in the NFL is easier than in college.
Richardson’s ‘perspective’ may appear ridiculous on the surface, yet it is supported by subtle evidence. Here’s what he said regarding the matter at hand:
Colts QB Anthony Richardson on playing in the NFL vs playing in College:
“Playing in the NFL, I feel like, is easier than in college.”
(Via @club520podcast) pic.twitter.com/D2jj9bROyg
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) June 11, 2024
“In college, you have athletes that are good, and they are aware of their abilities, but they lack confidence. They have to rely on other players to do this so they can do that. However, everyone in the league is working hard to keep their spot. [They’re] trying to keep their jobs, and everyone’s trying to ball out. That merely lets me know that I don’t have to do too much. I have to do my job, and he is going to do his, and it will work.”
As previously stated, this bulletin board material will most likely be misused on social media when Richardson undoubtedly makes a horrible play during his sophomore season; but, aside from his physical condition, all that counts is his mindset heading into 2024. What appears to be cocky on the surface is actually a nuanced glimpse of Richardson’s comfortable yet confident mindset as he navigates the offseason after his brief rookie season.
