Michael Owens/Getty Images
In a surprising yet well-deserved move Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, the 4th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been named team captains by his fellow teammates.
The announcement came from Colts‘ head coach Shane Steichen during a press conference on Thursday, revealing the selection of seven team captains for the upcoming 2023 season.
The seven players were chosen through a vote by their teammates, with Richardson’s inclusion standing out as a testament to the respect he has garnered from the team despite his rookie status.
Alongside Richardson, the other distinguished players to receive captaincy roles are Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, Linebacker Zaire Franklin, Center Ryan Kelly, Cornerback Kenny Moore, and Guard Quenton Nelson.
Despite being a mere 21-year-old rookie, Richardson has managed to leave a lasting impression on his peers through a remarkable blend of confidence, humility, and composure. Over the past few months, he has quickly become an integral part of the team.
Notably, the Colts made the bold decision to appoint Richardson as their starting quarterback for the upcoming 2023 season, a decision that demonstrates the faith and confidence they have in his abilities both on and off the field.
Awesome: After a recent NFL rookie event, #Colts 20-year old QB Anthony Richardson, decided to stay behind after everyone else exited and clean up a big mess left by the players so the staff wouldn't have to.
Richardson explained that it was unfair to expect the staff to clean… pic.twitter.com/o5LzSY3qdV
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 12, 2023
As the Colts prepare to embark on the new season, the rookie quarterback will not only be shouldering the responsibilities of QB1 but will also bear the honor of leading his teammates onto the field as a team captain.
This dual role is a reflection of the Colts’ trust in Richardson’s potential to shape the team’s future positively.