Anthony Richardson majorly motivated heading into second season: 'I'm just on a mission'

After being limited to just four games during his rookie campaign due to a season-ending shoulder injury, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is eager -- and motivated -- to get back out on the field for his second season.

"I've never waited this long to get back to playing football," Richardson said, via ESPN. "I'm just on a mission this year. Once that mission's complete, then I'll be good."

The Colts missed out on the playoffs last season, but they still finished with a 9-8 record despite being without their starting quarterback for a majority of the games. As a result, there are some understandably high hopes for both Richardson and the team in 2024.

A second rookie season

Richardson showed some major flashes as a rookie, as he threw for 577 yards and three touchdowns in four games. He also added 136 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. However, he doesn't feel like he got to show anywhere near his full arsenal, and he's excited for the opportunity to do so.

Due to his truncated inaugural campaign, Richardson still feels like a rookie at heart, albeit one with an added year of NFL experience and knowledge under his belt.

"People didn't really get to see everything I could do on the field," he told Holder. "So, it's kind of like a rookie season for me still. But now I've gained a lot more knowledge and understanding about football and the NFL. So, I'm a rookie at heart, but now I'm slowly turning into the leader that my team needs me to be. I'm ready for every opportunity that's in front of me."

Richardson is expected to be good to go for spring practices -- in plenty of time for the start of the season -- and Colts coach Shane Steichen is excited to see what he can do after getting a small taste of Richardson's skill set last year.

“His limited sample size that he had in those first five weeks were impressive," Steichen said of Richardson. "I mean, he made some plays that I’ve never seen guys make.”

There will be plenty of pressure on Richardson next season, but at the least he certainly seems properly motivated to shoulder the load.