The Indianapolis Colts used the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft to select quarterback Anthony Richardson for what he could be in the future.
Knowing there will be a long road of development and growing pains for a 21-year-old with just 13 collegiate starts under his belt, it’s vital for Richardson to get help and advice from several avenues as he adjusts to life in the NFL.
While Richardson likely plays a game of 20 questions with head coach Shane Steichen on a daily basis, the rookie also has learned quickly to lean on the other quarterbacks in the room. This is especially true for Gardner Minshew, who enters his third season in Steichen’s offense.
“[Minshew’s] been through it, Sam has been through it. They just help me stay calm. As a rookie, especially a QB, it’s a lot. You would see it as too much and they just help me stay sane. It’s all part of the process, we’ve all been through it and we all want to know everything but we can’t,” Richardson tole the media at minicamp.
It has been clear that Richardson is chomping at the bit to learn everything he can about succeeding at the quarterback position. The rookie has constantly asked questions, and his eagerness to learn is one of his best qualities.
And with those growing pains, Richardson knows to lean on the support system he has with Minshew and Ehlinger.
“It’s just a matter of learning. Going through those practices where it does seem too fast for me and I do make mistakes here and there, it’s like okay I made this mistake because of that and I have to fix it for the future,” Richardson said.
It can be a type of sensory overload for rookie quarterbacks entering the league. It’s a completely different style of play, especially when it comes to adjusting to the difference in spacing and alignment compared to college.
Having a quarterback like Minshew in the room helps Richardson slow the process down without suffering from an overabundance of information. Keeping it simple is vital.
“I can talk to Gardner, I can talk to Sam because he’s run similar offenses as well. Just talking to them, they help simplify it for me,” said Richardson, “Coach is going to teach it the way he does and as a QB that has played in the offense – [Minshew] might see it a little different because he’s on the field. Just getting information from Gardner and Sam is definitely helpful. It keeps me sane.”
Richardson split first-team reps with Minshew during OTAs and minicamp, and it’s likely that will be the case when the team returns for the start of training camp at the end of July.
And while the duo will be pushing each other for the starting role, it’s encouraging that the rookie has a strong support system right there alongside him in the quarterback room.
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