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The Indianapolis Colts made the decision that everyone was waiting for, as head coach Shane Steichen announced that Daniel Jones has won the starting quarterback position. After a tough training camp quarterback battle, the job goes to Jones.
Read more: Colts Make Massive Change at QB, Name Daniel Jones Starter
This has left former starting quarterback Anthony Richardson as the backup to Jones, and the young passer has now broken his silence about the decision.
When speaking to reporters, Richardson took the high ground, and spoke to the decision with class.
“You gotta respect the decision. They feel like he [Jones] is the better fit for the team, better fit for the outcome of winning. You gotta respect it and keep working. It doesn’t undermine any of the other work I have been putting in. It doesn’t say that I haven’t improved. I’m proud of the improvement I’ve made. Shane is also proud of that, so you gotta keep stacking on that and keep getting better,” Richardson said.
Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images
Despite the decision presumably being tough for Richardson, he is taking the news with class and respect. He also stated during the quarterback battle that he was not upset about having to go through a competition with Jones.
Richardson was benched in the 2024 season after he pulled himself from a game during Week 8. Joe Flacco would come in for two games, and was then replaced by Richardson.
The same thing could happen if Jones does not play up to the expectations of Steichen and the Colts organization. In fact, he stated as much during his press conference.
Read more: Colts’ Shane Steichen Makes Stunning Admission About Anthony Richardson
“That’s hard to say. Obviously, Daniel (Jones) is our starter right now,” Steichen said. “And if something happens to Daniel at some point, AR gets another opportunity.”
Anything can happen in the NFL, and Richardson may get another chance to line up under center during the 2025 season.
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