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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson did something that few NFL players — and athletes in general — rarely do: he took himself out of the game.
The second-year Colts signal-caller wasn’t injured or sick, however, but just tired. Speaking to the media after the game, the 22-year-old QB made the shocking admission that he asked Colts head coach Shane Steichen to take him out of the game.
In the 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans, Richardson completed 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while also carrying the ball six times for 45 yards.
“Tired, ain’t gonna lie,” Richardson admitted to the media about coming out of the game in the 3rd quarter. “That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I didn’t think I was gonna be able to go that next play. So, I just told [head coach Shane Steichen] I needed a break right there.”
The reaction to Richardson’s comments has been one of frustration from both former players and fans alike.
“I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson. The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential,” former Colt and popular ESPN personality Pat McAfee said of Richardson’s decision.
I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson.. The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 27, 2024
“This is soft. He wouldn’t see the field for loooong time, if I was head coach,” one football fan tweeted.
“Imagine hearing your QB1 say that he opted out of playing in a game because he’s TIRED! That’s insane! What leadership does that bring to a team?! NONE,” added another.
So far this season, Richardson has completed a dismal 44.4% of his passes for 958 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions.