by INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indianapolis Colts are heading into that 2025 NFL season alongside a clear and increasingly urgent mandate at that quarterback position: Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall I mean pick in a 2023 NFL Draft, needs for the purpose of prove it. You see, This sentiment, though couched inside supportive terms, was powerfully articulated by Colts owner and CEO Carlie Irsay Gordon, who stated, “Where he seems to be in his career and in his deal as a rookie, we still have time. He still has time to prove it. ” She then added the critical context, “Bring a sense belonging to urgency. in addition to nothing brings a sense belonging to urgency more than competition. I mean Actually, “.
One important aspect to consider is that these words are far from a vote of no confidence. From a different perspective, rather, they represent a pragmatic assessment from the highest levels of this colts organization, acknowledging that immense potential that compelled them to draft richardson, while simultaneously recognizing one stark reality pertaining to his injury-plagued in addition to statistically uneven first two seasons. With veteran Daniel Jones now in the mix, the stage appears to be set on behalf of a pivotal training camp battle that could define not only Richardson’s future but also one trajectory of the Colts franchise. Let’s explore Irsay Gordon’s Ultimatum with us.
The Promise and The Peril: Anthony Richardson’s NFL Journey So Far
Anthony Richardson burst onto the NFL scene as a physical marvel – a 6-foot-4, 244-pound quarterback with a rocket arm and electrifying mobility. His rookie campaign in 2023, however, was tragically cut short by injuries. He played in just four games, completing 50 of 84 passes (59.5%) for 577 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, while also rushing for 136 yards and 4 touchdowns. A shoulder injury ultimately landed him on injured reserve, ending his season.
Fact Check: Anthony Richardson played in 4 games in his 2023 rookie season. His passing stats were 50/84 (59.5%) for 577 yards, 3 TDs, and 1 INT. He also had 136 rushing yards and 4 rushing TDs. His season ended due to a shoulder injury.
His 2024 season, intended as a bounce-back, saw more time on the field but was still marred by inconsistent play and further injuries. Richardson played in 11 games in 2024, completing 126 of 264 passes (47.7%) for 1,814 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also added 499 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns. He battled various ailments throughout the year, including a bruised hip/oblique, a shoulder/wrist injury, and ultimately a back/foot injury in Week 16 that sidelined him again.
Fact Check: Anthony Richardson played in 11 games in 2024. His passing stats were 126/264 (47.7%) for 1,814 yards, 8 TDs, and 12 INTs. He recorded 499 rushing yards and 6 rushing TDs. His injury history in 2024 included a shoulder/wrist issue, a bruised hip/oblique, and a season-ending back/foot injury in Week 16.
Combining his two seasons, Richardson has played in just 15 games, completing 50.6% of his passes for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. While his rushing ability has provided a significant spark (635 rushing yards, 10 TDs), his passing efficiency and ability to stay on the field remain significant concerns.
Fact Check: Anthony Richardson’s career totals across 15 games are 176/348 completions (50.6%) for 2,391 passing yards, 11 TDs, and 13 INTs. He has 111 carries for 635 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs. These combined career stats are accurate.
The Veteran Challenger: Daniel Jones Enters the Fray
The Colts’ decision to sign Daniel Jones in free agency, a former first-round pick himself with 69 career starts for the New York Giants, was a clear signal. While Jones has had his own struggles with consistency and injuries throughout his career, he brings a level of NFL starting experience and a proven ability to manage an offense that Richardson currently lacks.
Fact Check: Daniel Jones was signed by the Colts as a free agent in March 2025. He has 69 career starts with the New York Giants.
Irsay-Gordon’s emphasis on “competition” is not just lip service. Head coach Shane Steichen stated that Jones and Richardson would split first-team reps evenly during OTAs and mini-camp, a plan that was slightly derailed by Richardson missing minicamp due to another shoulder issue. While Richardson expressed optimism about being ready for training camp (“not even a bump in the road”), the fact that he missed significant practice time due to injury is a recurring problem that can’t be ignored.
Fact Check: Shane Steichen did state that Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson would split first-team reps evenly. Richardson did miss minicamp due to a shoulder issue, though he downplayed the severity. Colts training camp officially begins on July 23, 2025.
The message from the Colts’ brass is clear: while they’ve invested heavily in Richardson, they are not willing to simply hand him the starting job. He must earn it, demonstrate consistency, and prove he can remain healthy. Jones, while not a “sure thing,” provides a legitimate alternative and a valuable measuring stick.
Why “Prove It” Now? The Urgency of the Situation
Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s statement, particularly the “sense of urgency” coupled with “competition,” isn’t just a motivational tactic. It reflects the harsh realities of the NFL:
- The Investment: The Colts spent the #4 overall pick on Richardson. That kind of capital comes with enormous expectations. While patience is required for young quarterbacks, there’s also a limit to how long a franchise can wait for a return on such a significant investment, especially when other top QBs from the 2023 draft class (like C.J. Stroud) have already demonstrated superstar potential.
- Job Security: Coaches and general managers are constantly evaluated. General Manager Chris Ballard and Head Coach Shane Steichen need to show tangible progress. If the quarterback position remains a liability due to injury or inconsistency, it puts their own futures on the line.
- Team Development: The Colts have a talented roster around the quarterback, including a strong offensive line, a Pro Bowl running back in Jonathan Taylor, and developing weapons like Michael Pittman Jr. and Adonai Mitchell. They need stable, high-level quarterback play to maximize the potential of these pieces and truly compete in the AFC South.
- Financial Implications: While Richardson is still on his rookie deal, the window of having a high-potential QB on a relatively cheap contract is closing. The longer the uncertainty persists, the less flexible the team becomes in terms of future roster building.
- A Winning Culture: Sustained losing erodes confidence and talent. The Colts want to build a winning culture, and that starts with consistent play at the most important position.
The “time to prove it” isn’t an indefinite period. It’s now. This season. With Jones pushing him, Richardson is in a situation where he must perform.
The Path Forward for Anthony Richardson
For Anthony Richardson, the 2025 season represents a critical juncture. To “prove it,” he needs to demonstrate significant improvement in several key areas:
- Health and Availability: This is paramount. He cannot prove anything from the sidelines. The Colts need him to be on the field, consistently, for 17 games. Managing his body, understanding when to slide or run out of bounds, and avoiding unnecessary hits will be crucial.
- Passing Accuracy and Consistency: His career completion percentage of 50.6% is simply not good enough for an NFL starting quarterback. He needs to improve his ball placement, particularly on intermediate throws, and reduce his turnover-worthy plays (13 interceptions in 15 games is a red flag).
- Pocket Presence and Progression: While his athleticism is elite, he needs to show growth in reading defenses, going through his progressions, and understanding when to stand in the pocket versus when to extend plays with his legs.
- Decision-Making: The high interception rate indicates a need for better decision-making, particularly under pressure. Protecting the football is a non-negotiable for NFL quarterbacks.
- Leadership: As the presumptive franchise quarterback, he needs to take command of the huddle and inspire confidence from his teammates.
Head coach Shane Steichen has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks. He helped Jalen Hurts reach an MVP-caliber level in Philadelphia. If anyone can unlock Richardson’s potential, it’s Steichen. The offensive scheme is designed to maximize his dual-threat abilities, using RPOs, play-action, and designed runs. However, the onus is now firmly on Richardson to execute.
The Daniel Jones Factor: More Than Just a Backup
The presence of Daniel Jones isn’t just about pushing Richardson; it’s about providing a safety net. If Richardson struggles with health or performance early in the season, the Colts now have a capable, experienced starter they can turn to. Jones, while perhaps not a long-term solution, has shown flashes of competent NFL play and could keep the team competitive if called upon. This is a luxury the Colts didn’t fully have in previous seasons.
Fact Check: Daniel Jones’ career with the Giants has shown flashes of competence, including a playoff appearance, but also struggles with consistency and injuries. His presence does indeed provide an experienced alternative at QB for the Colts.
This dynamic creates a legitimate quarterback competition in training camp that will be one of the most compelling storylines around the league. Every snap, every drill, every interview will be analyzed as Richardson battles not just against Jones, but against the lingering doubts of his past two seasons.
Conclusion: A Defining Season for AR
Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s comments were a delicate balance of patience and pressure. The Indianapolis Colts still believe in the raw, tantalizing talent of Anthony Richardson. The investment was too significant, and the flashes of brilliance too compelling, to give up on him entirely. However, the time for “potential” to turn into “production” is now.
When examining this closely, one 2025 nfl season is unequivocally a make-or-break year for anthony richardson. An alternative viewpoint suggests that he has this coaching, the weapons, and now, a direct you know challenge from ownership, reinforced by legitimate competition. If he can stay healthy, refine his passing game, and demonstrate consistent growth, he will indeed prove his worth and solidify his place as the Colts’ franchise quarterback designed for years toward come. Well, If not, this “time for the purpose of prove it” will quickly run out, and a Colts will face yet another daunting quarterback search, underscorling the urgency of Irsay-Gordon’s carefully chosen words. one stage can be described as kind of set. a opportunity appears to be now. Does that make sense?
