Anthony Richardson’s Confidence Shines Bright as Former Colts Quarterback Urges Him to Fully Embrace and Seize Starting Role Opportunity

The Indianapolis Colts are charging into the 2025 NFL season with their sights firmly set on one goal: ascendancy. And leading that charge is none other than third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., a player whose blend of size, speed, and arm talent is matched only by the confidence he’s shown during training camp. That confidence hasn’t just caught the attention of fans and analysts — it’s earned the endorsement of a former Colts legend who believes now is the time for Richardson to seize control of his destiny.

In a rare but powerful public statement, former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck spoke to media following a surprise visit to Colts training camp last weekend. Luck, whose abrupt retirement in 2019 still echoes through Indianapolis, delivered a glowing message about the 23-year-old Richardson.

“I see a young man who believes in himself — and that’s the most important quality a quarterback can have,” Luck said. “There’s no hesitation in his throws, no fear in his body language. I look at Anthony and think, ‘He can be the face of this franchise. He just has to take it.’”

Richardson, who was named the starting quarterback for Thursday’s preseason opener in Baltimore, carries a quiet yet unmistakable fire. It’s a fire born out of early adversity — from an injury-shortened rookie year to the pressure of being a top-five pick — and it’s now beginning to translate into command, leadership, and poise on the field.

“Every snap I take, I remind myself why I’m here,” Richardson said earlier this week. “Not everybody gets this opportunity. So every time I touch the ball, I’m proving to myself, to my teammates, to the city — I’m that guy.”

The Colts certainly believe in him. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen doubled down on Richardson this offseason, building the offense to fit his dual-threat capabilities. Veteran linemen like Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith have publicly praised his growth. Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie sensation Tayvion Sanders have both commented on how much more fluid Richardson looks in the pocket.

“He’s not just slinging it out there anymore,” Pittman said. “He’s reading coverages faster. He’s getting to his second and third reads. He’s asking questions in the huddle. You can feel his confidence growing.”

Richardson’s confidence isn’t unfounded. His performance in joint practices with the Detroit Lions and in the team’s Blue and White scrimmage at Lucas Oil Stadium has shown sharp decision-making and improved accuracy. More than just a physical freak, Richardson is starting to play chess with defenses rather than just trying to bulldoze them.

Last year, Richardson’s rookie campaign was derailed after just four starts due to a shoulder injury. Though flashes of brilliance were on display — including three rushing touchdowns and a 40-yard dime to Alec Pierce against Houston — the injury planted doubts in some corners. But rather than shrink from those doubts, Richardson attacked them. He committed to film study, reworked his mechanics with quarterback guru Tom House in the offseason, and embraced leadership classes within the Colts organization.

Now, heading into 2025, that work is showing. Colts insiders say his footwork is crisper, his touch on intermediate throws more precise, and his decision-making faster and more decisive. Even more importantly, Richardson is finally starting to own the huddle.

“You can’t fake command,” said Steichen. “You either have it or you don’t — and Anthony is starting to show that he does.”

Andrew Luck agrees. When asked what advice he would give to Richardson if they spoke privately, the 2018 Comeback Player of the Year didn’t hesitate.

“I’d tell him to stop waiting for someone to tell you it’s your team. It already is. The franchise is ready for him — the locker room is ready for him. He just needs to believe it.”

The endorsement is powerful, not just because of who it comes from, but because of what it symbolizes. Luck was once the most promising quarterback in the league, but the weight of expectations, injuries, and constant change wore him down. Richardson, by contrast, is being given the tools, the time, and now the trust to succeed.

Richardson credits much of his growth to the veteran voices around him. Former Pro Bowler Gardner Minshew, now with the Raiders, mentored him during his rookie year. Tight end Mo Alie-Cox, still with the team, speaks of Richardson like a younger brother.

“We saw how much the kid wanted it, even when he was hurt,” Alie-Cox said. “He was always in the film room. Always staying late. You don’t see that kind of hunger every day.”

Fans are starting to see it too. Social media videos from Colts camp show Richardson staying behind to sign autographs, giving pep talks to rookies, and engaging with fans. The franchise’s long search for a franchise quarterback — from Luck’s retirement to the carousel of veterans that followed — now seems to rest in the hands of one determined, dynamic athlete.

Richardson’s rise comes at a pivotal time for the Colts. After narrowly missing the playoffs in 2024, the team is stacked with young talent and has made key veteran acquisitions on defense and the offensive line. The AFC South is still open, with Tennessee rebuilding, Houston ascending, and Jacksonville facing its own internal questions. In many ways, the Colts’ fortunes this season hinge on Richardson’s ability to lead them to the next level.

And that responsibility doesn’t faze him.

“I don’t want to be average,” Richardson said. “I don’t want to just be another guy who came through here. I want to be remembered. I want to win championships. That’s the standard I’m setting.”

To help with that, the Colts brought in a mental performance coach to work with Richardson one-on-one. The results are showing in his communication, his demeanor, and his handling of adversity. Teammates describe him as more patient, more mature — even in the face of bad plays or pressure.

Defensive end Kwity Paye said, “You blitz him now and he doesn’t flinch. Last year he might’ve taken off. This year he’s staying in and burning you downfield. That’s growth.”

Richardson’s preseason start in Baltimore will be his first game action since early last season. It’s a test of timing, rhythm, and resilience — but it’s also a moment to plant a flag.

“Every opportunity matters,” Richardson said with a grin. “But this one? This one’s special.”

For a franchise that has lived in the shadow of Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck for nearly two decades, Anthony Richardson represents the next shot at long-term greatness. He has the support of his teammates, the full belief of his front office, and now — even — the blessing of the man who once carried Indy’s hopes on his shoulders.

In a league where confidence can be the dividing line between a flash and a franchise cornerstone, Richardson is starting to stand tall.

And maybe — just maybe — that’s what the Colts have been waiting for all along.