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Anthony Richardson wins Colts backup job after tumultuous summer
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- Anthony Richardson wins Colts backup job after tumultuous summer
Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen named ex-Gator Anthony Richardson the Colts ' No. 2 quarterback, behind starter Daniel Jones on Thursday.
Richardson beat out Riley Leonard after completing 21 of 33 passes for 249 yards during the preseason. Richardson has continued to show professionalism and a positive attitude according to reports, drawing praise from key members of the front office.
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"I thought he did some good things through camp," Steichen said Thursday. "He's continued to develop and grow and learn and continue to get better."
The Colts and Richardson seemed to be on course for a messy divorce last spring. The former first-round pick requested a trade just before the organization signed Daniel Jones to a two-year, $88 million contract extension. Leading up to training camp, the two sides appeared ready to part ways.
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) yells for the snap Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) celebrates with quarterback Riley Leonard (15) after a play against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) reacts after getting sacked by Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) looks to pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) looks to pass Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) waits on the snap during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) calls out during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
NFL Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) drops back to pass Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images
(Natalie Reid, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) scrambles with the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen celebrates quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) for making a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker K.J. Britt (35) punches the ball free forcing Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) to fumble during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) catches the ball during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images
(Natalie Reid, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) yells for the snap Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) celebrates with quarterback Riley Leonard (15) after a play against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) reacts after getting sacked by Detroit Lions defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) looks to pass against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) during warmups before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) looks to pass Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, during practice at Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) waits on the snap during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) calls out during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
NFL Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
(Trevor Ruszkowski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) drops back to pass Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, during a joint practice with the Atlanta Falcons at Grand Park in Westfield.
(Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) scores a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images
(Natalie Reid, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) scrambles with the ball during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen celebrates quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) for making a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots linebacker K.J. Britt (35) punches the ball free forcing Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) to fumble during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
(Eric Canha, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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PHOTOS: Highlights from Anthony Richardson Sr.'s preseason with Colts
Aug 13, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) catches the ball during the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Natalie Reid-Imagn Images
(Natalie Reid, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Richardson made his strongest case against the New England Patriots, going 11 of 14 for 145 yards in addition to 53 yards rushing and a touchdown. Ball security remains an issue for Richardson, however, as he had two turnovers in the contest.
Winning the backup job means Richardson's time in Indy may not be over just yet. While Jones is the incumbent starter, his health continues to be a question. Jones suffered a torn Achilles in December 2025.
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"I'm extremely grateful," Richardson said . "I love adversity. I love life. ... When I reported back for OTAs, I was here, told myself I was going to be here and prepare myself like I was going to be here for the start of the season."
Richardson is entering the final year of his rookie contract, a detail that elevates the stakes for whatever opportunities he receives this season.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Anthony Richardson wins Colts backup job after tumultuous summer
