Stephen Holder, ESPN — August 1, 2025
Westfield, Indiana — The biggest challenge for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. wasn’t on the field—it was cutting out sweets.
Since being selected as the fourth overall pick in 2023, the 23-year-old Richardson has been one of the NFL’s promising young quarterbacks. However, the league’s demands have pushed him to grow, motivating him to improve not just his skills but also his diet. “We had to cut out the candy,” Richardson admitted, noting his previous habit of frequently eating Skittles and other sugary snacks. His new regimen focuses on healthier choices and proper hydration.
This lifestyle change brought results quickly, with Richardson shedding 10 pounds to weigh in at 240. While eliminating candy alone won’t transform his playing career—his completion rate remains at 50%, and he is competing fiercely to keep his starting role—it signals a newfound seriousness about his development heading into 2025.
Last season, Richardson’s struggles and injuries made the Colts uncertain about his long-term future as their starting quarterback, prompting them to sign veteran Daniel Jones on a one-year, $14 million contract to compete for the job. This served as a wake-up call for Richardson, who now believes he is a better player thanks to improvements in his diet, mechanics, and preparation.
“I feel there’s more to do,” Richardson said. “All great players do more than expected. After last season, I realized I have to push myself harder, not just for the team, but for my own greatness and potential Hall of Fame future.”
His offseason work shows in a renewed focus on fundamentals, especially footwork, which was inconsistent in his first two years and contributed to a spike in interceptions last year. Collaborating with a private coach, Richardson has made significant strides during training camp, enhancing his accuracy and rhythm. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter emphasized, “When your feet are right, your timing is right.”
Richardson also revamped his daily routine after being benched last season in favor of veteran Joe Flacco due to concerns about his preparation. He now arrives earlier at team facilities and dedicates more time to coaching meetings. This shift in mindset reflects his commitment to growth, even when faced with criticism.
General manager Chris Ballard praised Richardson’s progress, noting that growth often comes through adversity. Although Richardson’s camp performance has been inconsistent, he has shown improvements in accuracy on shorter, quicker throws and greater decisiveness. The quarterback competition is far from settled, but Richardson’s dedication may give him the edge.
“I’m digging deeper—studying the playbook longer, asking more questions, focusing on footwork, and mentally rehearsing plays,” Richardson explained. “I’m just trying to do more.”
Soon, it will be clear whether Richardson’s recipe of harder work and fewer sweets will lead to success.
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Fan Take: This story underscores how personal discipline and attention to detail off the field can directly impact performance on it. NFL fans should watch closely, as Richardson’s transformation could mark the rise of a dynamic quarterback who reshapes the Colts’ future and adds excitement to the league.
