Is it a rags to riches story? Maybe not. Maybe it’s a riches to rags to riches again type of story: a redemption story. There is redemption in what Anthony Richardson has done to claim the backup quarterback role for the Indianapolis Colts. It is a story of redemption that isn’t quite complete, but it is a lot closer to vindication than most thought it would ever get. In such a short period of time, Richardson has ridden the roller coaster that is the NFL and finds himself back on the rise.
Look.
Being the backup quarterback was never the goal, but sometimes priorities change and adjustments need to be made on the fly. Everyone has a path in life to follow. The NFL is no different. Richardson was supposed to be the guy, the franchise quarterback, until he wasn’t. Some players come in and take the league by storm. Others have a warming up period where they need to sit behind a veteran and learn. Others are thrown into a fire and burn out in their first stint but go on to greatness. Sam Darnold, anyone?
Richardson’s path has been incredibly bumpy and undesirable, to say the least. His accuracy, maturity, and injuries have left something to be desired. He could have quit and walked away. He certainly could have sandbagged the Colts. He requested a trade, but he didn’t throw a major stink about it. A trade request was the right move. The actions taken after were even better. He rose to the occasion and took the opportunity before him. Being the backup was never the ultimate dream. It is, however, the next step in the process, and the next step towards ultimate redemption.
What becomes of Anthony Richardson now? No one knows, not even Richardson. He doesn’t know the next moment, but he better be ready if it comes. He is one injury away from stepping foot on the field and resuming his role as the starting quarterback of the Colts. That is a sentence no one thought they would read five months ago, but that’s what redemption is all about.
