Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson met with the media Thursday, touching on a few topics for the first time since he underwent surgery to repair a season-ending shoulder injury.
Richardson’s natural charisma was present throughout the press conference, and it is clear he is eager to get deeper into his rehab. He’s scheduled to begin throwing for the first time since surgery next month.
Here are some quick notes and takeaways from Richardson’s end of season press conference on Thursday:
Wants to start throwing next month
Anthony Richardson says the tentative goal is to start throwing again next month.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 11, 2024
Was hesitant but ultimately considered long-term view
Richardson acknowledged he was hesitant to go through surgery because he didn't want to miss the season but ultimately it was the best thing for his long-term future. Said he would've also had to primarily run the ball if he would've returned and he wanted to throw it as well.
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) January 11, 2024
Doesn't anticipate changing his play style
Don't anticipate changing playing style. Learn when to get down, when not to get down.
Slowing up (concussion vs. Texans) was totally on him. Learn from that.
'Keep being me. Can't try to run through everybody.' https://t.co/qUROCR93w4— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 11, 2024
Time and a place to be physical
Richardson: "There's a time and a place to be physical. I love being physical. That's my nature. … I don't think I played reckless. I think I played the right way." #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 11, 2024
Excited to play with Jonathan Taylor
Eyes lit up when Jonathan Taylor was mentioned. 'It's going to be a big year for all of us.' https://t.co/NSSKKqiBLP
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 11, 2024
Wants Michael Pittman Jr. back
Richardson: "I would love to see the whole team back, if it was possible. But I know this is a business."
Question was about Michael Pittman Jr., who is the team's biggest pending free agent. #Colts— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 11, 2024
First few weeks of injury were difficult
'Those first few weeks were difficult for me. This was first year I didn't have football to guide me.' https://t.co/7607dRRbRs
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 11, 2024
MPJ is a good leader
Richardson called Michael Pittman Jr. a dog, said he's a guy that you get the ball in his hands to see what he can do. Richardson called him a good leader as well.
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) January 11, 2024
What did Richardson miss during rookie season?
Anthony Richardson was asked what he missed by sitting out most of his rookie season:
"The playoffs."
Safe to say expectations are going to be a little different around here next season.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) January 11, 2024
Feels Colts would have been playoff team
Asked what he missed, in terms of development, by not playing more of the season, Richardson opens by saying "The playoffs. That's what we missed."
Says later that he believes the Colts are a playoff team if he doesn't get hurt.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 11, 2024
Will head down to Jacksonville to finish rehab
Richardson: "I just want to be great for this team."
Will head to Jacksonville at some point in the next few weeks to finish his rehab and start offseason training. #Colts— George Bremer (@gmbremer) January 11, 2024
Gardner Minshew is 'the definition of a pro'
On Gardner Minshew: "He's the definition of a pro."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) January 11, 2024
Jokes about learning to throw left handed
Richardson jokes that in having to do everything with his left hand, he thought about trying to throw with his left hand.
Then this man says he can throw a football 30 yards left-handed. Not accurate, but 30 yards!!!!
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) January 11, 2024
