Read why Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is helping change the offseason training paradigm. He’s playing for that second contract and preparing to take back his job as the team’s QB1. After being benched for two games in favor of veteran Joe Flacco midseason, Richardson has taken a proactive approach to improve his performance on the field. He’s reformed his daily schedule. By getting to the team facility sooner and putting in extra time with the coaching staff, he’s demonstrating that he’s all-in on winning this quarterback battle.
By choosing to completely transform his training routine, Richardson has shown a true dedication to improving his craft. Now, last year he was a non factor in the lineup. His interception rate skyrocketed, going from 1.2% as a rookie up to 4% in 2024, which made him adapt and adjust to go through. First, the organization realized Richardson’s long-term viability as their starting quarterback would be hindered by injuries and inconsistent play.
Richardson has taken footwork to task as an area of focus to combat that mind at work undoing the physical improvements. His work is paying off with big strides in camp. Working with private coaches over the offseason, he has refined his mechanics, a key factor contributing to his earlier struggles. Moreover, Richardson’s physical transformation is evident. He has lost ten pounds and now weighs 240 pounds, resulting in a slimmer face and trimmer physique.
In addition to revising his training schedule, Richardson has revamped his diet as part of his overall strategy for improvement. He chose to eliminate Skittles and other sweets from his diet. I had to get the sugar out, baby… I’m talking no sweets. This dietary change is part of a larger move on his part to be more disciplined and serious about his craft.
“Just taking a deeper dive and studying my playbook a little longer, asking more questions, going through my footwork, walking through the plays by myself, just stuff like that,” – Anthony Richardson
Richardson’s drive goes beyond his own success. He understands the need to raise the bar for himself. After last season, something changed for me, and I knew I couldn’t leave my team hanging. I really just wanted to challenge myself. To do all those things and really be great and get into the Hall of Fame one day, I need to turn it up a notch. I have to do better. I understand that it’s me who needs to go out and do the things that other people are unwilling to do.
General manager Chris Ballard said Richardson’s development through this difficult period will pay off big-time. He also grounded the theme of the conference in the idea that real development emerges from failure instead of success. He’s maturing, he’s still young, but he’s maturing. Growth sadly does not come from achievement. Growth occurs when you are forced to step on a large number of s.
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