Anthony Richardson is the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. He was born in Miami, Florida, but grew up in Gainesville, where he would eventually play college quarterback. He played high school football at Eastside High in Gainesville, throwing for 4,633 passing yards and 37 touchdowns during his career, and adding 1,633 yards and 41 touchdowns rushing. He committed to the University of Florida and played three seasons for the Gators - from 2020 to 2022. Richardson was used almost exclusively as a backfield weapon in his first season with the Gators and played in only three games. The next season, he was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team, adding value as a rusher and completing just 38 pass attempts. In Week 1 against Florida Atlantic, Richardson ran for 160 yards and a touchdown on seven rush attempts. By the end of his true freshman season in 2021, he compiled 401 yards on the ground on just 51 attempts.
In 2022, Richardson was given the keys to the offense and, despite a 53-percent completion percentage, he threw for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns. NFL evaluators attempted to push Richardson to return for another college season in 2023, but after racking up over 650 yards on the ground and 9 touchdowns, it was apparent Richardson was an attractive dual-threat NFL quarterback. With a 6-4, 244-pound frame and 4.43-speed, he is the most athletic QB prospect of all-time. The Colts selected Richardson No. 4 overall in the 2023 Draft and he was named the team's starter in the preseason.
Richardson played less than four full games in his rookie season, but showed he is a dangerous playmaker, scoring four touchdowns on the ground and three through the air. He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 versus the Titans, an injury for which he had surgery and will rehab for the 2024 campaign.
