The Indianapolis Colts have decided to go with rookie Anthony Richardson as their starting quarterback this upcoming season.
It may come as a surprise to some that the Colts are starting the rookie out of Florida, but it shouldn’t. They started Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck as rookies and it eventually worked out for the team.
Manning, now part of the Denver Broncos ownership group, reacted to the Colts naming Richardson as their starter.
“I congratulated him on the news and wished him the best of luck,” Manning said in an interview. “I told him I was pulling for him hard. I can tell he’s got a great attitude and he’s going to work at it. I know Shane and (offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter) have worked with different quarterbacks. Shane coming off what he’s done with Jalen (Hurts) is a great blueprint.”
Richardson reminds many of Hurts, who was the second-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles and eventually worked his way up to starter.
Manning believes the Colts did the right thing by naming him the starter.
“By no means would I think they’re doing this for any other reason than he’s earned the job and they can build the offense around him even though he’s young,” said Manning.
Richardson is known more for his athletic ability than his strong arm, but if he can improve his accuracy, then maybe he can indeed become the next Jalen Hurts.