Colts’ Richardson: Playing in NFL is ‘easier than college’

Despite playing at football’s highest level, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson believes it’s easier to do his job in the NFL than in the NCAA.

“Playing in the NFL, I feel like, is easier than in college,” Richardson said during an appearance on the “Club 520 podcast.” “In college, you got players that are good, they know they’re good, but they’re not as confident. They’ve got to rely on other players to do this for them and to do that. But in the league, everybody is trying to work to stay in the league and try to keep their job.”

He added: “That just let me know, I ain’t got to do too much. I’m going to do my job, and he’s going to do his job, and it’s going to work.”

Richardson admitted that he threw three interceptions in his first practice with his veteran teammates, but that he quickly made the transition to the pro level soon after.

The 2023 fourth overall selection flashed superstar potential during his rookie campaign. He passed for 577 yards and three touchdowns, and ran for 136 yards and four scores, while leading Indianapolis to a 2-2 record as a starter. However, the Florida product missed 13 four games last year, including 12 with a Grade 3 AC joint injury.

The Colts have been cautious with Richardson and his surgically repaired right shoulder this offseason. Head coach Shane Steichen said the team opted to rest the signal-caller, who was cleared to resume throwing in February, during the team’s final practice session last week after he was a full participant in OTAs.

Richardson will enter his sophomore season with a receiving corps featuring 2024 second-rounder Adonai Mitchell, Michael Pittman Jr., and Josh Downs. Jonathan Taylor will star out of the backfield.