Twenty-five years ago, Peyton Manning was a rookie starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.
Now, it’s Anthony Richardson who will begin the 2023 season as QB1 in Indianapolis, just a little over four months after the Colts took him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
During a recent interview with Mike Chappell of FOX59/CBS4, Manning was asked about Richardson being a rookie starter.
“I congratulated him on the news and wished him the best of luck,” Manning told Chappell. “I told him I was pulling for him hard. I can tell he’s got a great attitude and he’s going to work at it. I know Shane and (offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter) have worked with different quarterbacks. Shane coming off what he’s done with Jalen (Hurts) is a great blueprint.
“By no means would I think they’re doing this for any other reason than he’s earned the job and they can build the offense around him even though he’s young.”
Manning added that the more reps Richardson can get early on, the better off he’ll be down the road.
Manning’s own rookie season wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. He started all 16 games and threw 26 touchdown passes but also completed only 56.7% of his passes and tossed an NFL-leading 28 interceptions as the Colts finished 3-13.
Of course, Manning shook off those early growing pains and became a franchise and NFL legend. If Richardson can do even half of that, Colts fans will be thrilled.