Anthony Richardson’s antics during the Indianapolis Colts’ 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans did not sit well with those around the NFL.
On Sunday, Richardson endured a brutal first half in which he completed just 2-of-15 passes for 81 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception that was thrown with less than a minute remaining in the second quarter. But it was the signal-caller’s bizarre behavior in the closing 30 minutes of the game that truly drew the ire of viewers.
Late in the third quarter, Richardson evaded Texans defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi for a would-be sack before tucking the football and making it back to the line of scrimmage. Immediately after the second-and-goal play, he trotted off the field while tapping his helmet.
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Upon reaching the Colts sideline, Richardson dropped to a knee and looked to be breathing deeply. In relief of the second-year player, backup quarterback Joe Flacco handed the ball off to running back Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for five yards to set up a 37-yard field goal.
On the Colts’ ensuing offensive drive, Richardson returned under center and played out the rest of the contest. Speaking to reporters during a post-game press conference, the 22-year-old conceded that he wasn’t hurt on the aforementioned play but opted to take himself out because he was exhausted.
“I was tired,” Richardson said. “I ain’t gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there. I didn’t think I was going to be able to go that next play, so I just told [Colts coach] Shane [Steichen] I just needed a break right there.”
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Anthony Richardson walked off the field in the third quarter because he was tired (
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Colts head coach Shane Steichen expressed a similar sentiment, adding: “He needed a breather. He ran three times in a row and it was third and long, so we were going to hand the ball off.”
Taking to social media, fans and pundits alike blasted Richardson – who finished the game with 175 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception – for removing himself from the contest. “I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson,” longtime Colts punter Pat McAfee wrote on X. “The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential.”
Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho added in a short clip: “I swear that I have never heard anything like this in my life. Anthony Richardson, you really said you got tired and you took yourself out the game.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I started playing football when I was eight years of age. I played in the NFL, retired at age 25 instantly became a sports analyst. I’m currently 33 and all of my years of playing football, covering football, watching football, I have never heard this in my life.
“Anthony Richardson, just lie next time big dog, just lie next time,” he continued. “If this is the truth, just tell a lie, bro. You the quarterback. A quarterback cannot take themselves out the game. A quarterback, you, if you take yourself out the game, then who gonna play? Come on, bro.”
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