Anthony Richardson Shocked by Colts’ Decision to Make Him Backup QB Behind Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts just dropped a bombshell ahead of the 2025 NFL season, and it’s one that has plenty of fans raising their eyebrows. Instead of rolling with their highly-touted 2023 first-round pick, Anthony Richardson, the Colts announced that Daniel Jones will start under center when they kick off the season against the Miami Dolphins on September 7.
That’s right—Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick just two years ago, will be riding the bench to start the season.
A Twist Nobody Saw Coming
In a league where first-round quarterbacks are almost always expected to be “the guy,” seeing Richardson take a step back this early in his career feels shocking. The Colts invested heavily in him, believing his mix of size, athleticism, and arm strength would be the perfect foundation for their future. Yet, here we are, with the 23-year-old taking a seat behind a quarterback who not long ago was fighting to keep his own career alive with the New York Giants.
Richardson himself admitted he was caught off guard by the news.
“I guess you could say somewhat surprised, but at the end of the day we all knew somebody was going to have to be on this end of the stick and, you know, it was me,” he said.
Still, the young QB took the high road, noting he sees areas where he can grow and prove he belongs as a starter in the league.
Agent Fires Back at Colts
While Richardson showed class, his agent Deric Jackson didn’t hold back. In a statement to ESPN, Jackson openly questioned head coach Shane Steichen’s decision-making, even going as far as suggesting that trust between player and organization may now be damaged.
“Trust is a big factor and that is, at best, questionable right now,” Jackson said. “Anthony came back and made the improvements in the areas he needed to improve. And by all accounts, he had a great camp.”
He also pointed out that when the Colts needed a big play last season, they leaned on Richardson—even after he had been benched for two games. That fact, Jackson argued, makes the benching sting even more.
Numbers That Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Statistically, Richardson wasn’t a disaster in 2024. He threw for 1,814 yards, tossed eight touchdown passes, and led the Colts to a 6-5 record in the 11 games he started. Sure, those numbers aren’t eye-popping, but they aren’t exactly the production of a quarterback who can’t play either.
In fact, Richardson showed flashes of what made him a top-five draft pick. His athleticism and big-play ability were on full display, though inconsistency and injuries made it tough for him to truly settle into the role of franchise quarterback.
For Colts fans, it feels like a case of unfinished business.
Why Daniel Jones?
So why turn to Daniel Jones? The 28-year-old former Giants quarterback has had a rollercoaster career filled with questions about durability and consistency. But for Steichen, the choice seems to come down to reliability and experience.
Jones may not be the flashiest QB in the league, but he’s been around the block. He understands defenses, can manage a game, and doesn’t have the same question marks about staying healthy that Richardson does. For a Colts team looking for stability, that experience may have been enough to tip the scales.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Indy
The decision sends a loud message: the Colts want to win now. They’re not as interested in continuing to develop Richardson at the cost of games in the standings. With a defense that has shown promise and a fanbase eager for playoff football, Steichen seems to believe Jones gives the Colts the best shot in the immediate future.
But here’s the catch: decisions like this often have ripple effects. When you sideline a young quarterback this early, especially one drafted as high as Richardson, you risk hurting his confidence—and possibly the long-term relationship between player and franchise.
Key Takeaways From the Colts’ QB Shake-Up
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Shock Factor: Few expected Richardson to lose the starting job this soon in his career.
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Agent’s Fury: Richardson’s agent openly blasted the decision, raising questions about the team’s credibility.
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Richardson’s Grace: Despite the setback, the young QB handled the news with maturity and optimism.
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Stats vs. Trust: Richardson’s numbers weren’t awful, but the Colts opted for “trust and stability” with Jones.
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Long-Term Stakes: This move could define how both Richardson’s career and Steichen’s tenure play out in Indy.
What’s Next for Richardson?
Richardson insists there are no hard feelings toward Steichen. He knows he can get better, and he believes he’s on the right path. “I feel like I did improve. My improvement was there, but there are still ways I can improve, still ways I can become a better player, become a starter in the league,” he said.
That mindset could serve him well. If Jones struggles—or worse, goes down with an injury—Richardson will almost certainly be the first call to step back in. For now, though, he’s forced into a role no highly-drafted QB ever really wants: waiting in the wings.
Final Thoughts
The NFL has always been about timing and opportunity. Anthony Richardson’s journey with the Colts is far from over, but his shot at proving himself as a franchise cornerstone has been delayed. While Daniel Jones gets the nod to start the 2025 season, the question lingers: will Richardson’s patience and determination eventually make this decision look shortsighted?
One thing’s for sure—the drama in Indianapolis is just heating up. Fans will be watching closely, waiting to see if Richardson becomes the redemption story they once believed he could be.
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