What Happened to Anthony Richardson?
Anthony Richardson is an American professional football quarterback whose promising NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts has been significantly hampered by a series of injuries and inconsistent play since being drafted fourth overall in 2023. As of May 2026, the Colts have declined his fifth-year option and he has mutually agreed with the team to seek a trade, signaling an uncertain future with the franchise.
Quick Answer
Anthony Richardson's NFL career has been marked by high potential and significant injury setbacks. After being drafted fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, his rookie season was cut short by a shoulder injury. He continued to struggle with injuries and inconsistent performance in 2024 and 2025, eventually losing his starting job to Daniel Jones. As of May 1, 2026, the Colts have declined his fifth-year option, and Richardson has requested a trade, making his future with the team highly uncertain.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Miami, Florida
Anthony Dashawn Richardson Sr. was born in Miami, Florida.
Began College Career at Florida
Richardson enrolled at the University of Florida, appearing in four games during his freshman year.
Became Starting QB for Florida Gators
Richardson officially became the starting quarterback for the Gators, playing in 12 games and passing for 2,549 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Selected 4th Overall in NFL Draft
The Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Signed Rookie Contract with Colts
Richardson agreed to terms on a four-year, $33.99 million fully guaranteed deal with the Indianapolis Colts, including a $21.72 million signing bonus.
Named Colts Starting Quarterback
Head coach Shane Steichen named Anthony Richardson the Colts' starting quarterback over Gardner Minshew and Sam Ehlinger.
Rookie Season Ends Due to Shoulder Injury
Richardson suffered a throwing shoulder (AC joint) injury in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, which ended his rookie season. He underwent surgery later that month.
Struggled with Injuries and Inconsistency
Richardson opened the 2024 season as the Colts' starter but dealt with hip and lumbar injuries and inconsistent passing, completing 47.7% of his passes in 11 games.
Colts Sign Daniel Jones, Richardson Loses Starting Job
The Colts signed free agent quarterback Daniel Jones, and Richardson subsequently opened the offseason in a competition with Jones, ultimately losing the starting role.
2025 Season Ends Due to Orbital Bone Fracture
Richardson suffered a fractured orbital bone during pre-game warmups, leading to vision limitations and ending his 2025 season after playing in only two games.
Cleared to Play Football Again
Colts GM Chris Ballard confirmed that Anthony Richardson had been cleared to play football again after recovering from his orbital bone injury.
Mutually Agreed to Seek Trade
The Indianapolis Colts and Anthony Richardson mutually agreed that he could seek a trade to another team.
Colts Decline Fifth-Year Option
The Indianapolis Colts officially declined to pick up Anthony Richardson's fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the 2026 season if no trade occurs.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Anthony Richardson, born May 22, 2002, emerged as a highly touted quarterback prospect from the University of Florida, known for his elite athleticism, powerful arm, and dynamic rushing ability. Despite concerns about his accuracy and consistency, his raw talent led the Indianapolis Colts to select him as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $33.99 million fully guaranteed deal with the Colts on July 24, 2023.
Richardson was named the Colts' starting quarterback on August 15, 2023, ahead of his rookie season. He showed flashes of his potential, becoming the youngest quarterback in franchise history to start a game and the first rookie quarterback to record both a rushing and passing touchdown in a season opener. However, his rookie season was abruptly cut short in Week 5 when he suffered a season-ending AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, requiring surgery in October 2023.
The 2024 season saw Richardson return as the Colts' starter after recovering from shoulder surgery. Despite opening the season with some strong performances, including three completions over 50 yards in Week 1, he continued to battle injuries, including hip and lumbar issues, and faced inconsistent play. He completed only 47.7% of his passes with 8 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 11 games during 2024, leading to a low passer rating and a brief benching before he regained his starting role.
Heading into the 2025 season, the Colts signed veteran quarterback Daniel Jones, and Richardson subsequently lost the starting job to him. His 2025 season was then cut short after playing in just two games, when he suffered a fractured orbital bone during pre-game warmups in October, leading to vision limitations and another stint on injured reserve. This marked his third consecutive season significantly impacted by injury.
As of May 1, 2026, Anthony Richardson's future with the Indianapolis Colts appears to be nearing an end. He was cleared to play football again in February 2026. However, in early March 2026, Richardson and the Colts mutually agreed for him to seek a trade. On May 1, 2026, the Colts officially declined to pick up his fifth-year option, which would have been worth $22.48 million in 2027, making him a free agent after the 2026 season if no trade occurs. While he remains on the Colts' roster, his role is minimal as Daniel Jones is established as the starting quarterback, and no trade has materialized yet. His career record stands at 10-7 in 17 games (15 starts).
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Anthony Richardson made different choices?