Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson clinched a unique accolade for the second consecutive season ahead of Week 1.
After taking the field in Week 1 last season as the second-youngest starting quarterback in NFL history (1992 Tommy Maddox), Richardson will once again hold the title of the youngest starting quarterback in the NFL when he takes the field during Sunday's season opener against the Houston Texans.
Of course he got a little help once former Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett was named the Week 1 starter for the New England Patriots instead of 21-year-old rookie Drake Maye.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen acknowledge how unique of a situation that is.
"Very unique. It's pretty special if you think about it. 22-year-old starting quarterback in the NFL. Blessed, fortunate, for him and his abilities to be out there with our guys for sure," Steichen said last week.
Steichen knows what type of potential he is working with in the 22-year-old. Even though the 2023 first-round pick only started four games during his rookie season before suffering an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, he showed flashes of what his ceiling could be.
That's why there was no hesitation to keep the former Florida Gator as the Colts' starting quarterback for the second season in a row once he was back to full health. Not even the signing of former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco could push Richardson out of the QB1 spot.
In fact, Flacco's presence in Indianapolis' quarterback room looks to be a win-win situation. If Richardson goes down with an injury, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year can easily step up and lead the Colts offense. If Richardson stays healthy, Flacco can provide veteran mentorship most other young NFL quarterbacks wouldn't have access to via their own sideline.
The 6-foot, 4-inch, 245-pound athletic freak passed for 577 total yards through his four rookie season starts. His completion percentage sat just below 60% (league average of 64.5%), and he threw for three touchdowns and one interception.
On the ground, Richardson rushed for 136 yards and four touchdowns. He surrendered three fumbles, and there were early concerns about his sliding ability.
Even in his short rookie tenure, Richardson showed that he is willing to slide in favor of protecting himself. Although his season-ending injury was as a result of a tackle while he was on the run, this did not come down to an inability or unwillingness to slide.
If he can avoid injury, Richardson can also become one of the youngest quarterbacks to start every game of the season.
With that, he can begin to reach the superstar ceiling the Colts believe he has in front of him.
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