Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco had no plans of being anyone’s babysitter when he decided to join the Indianapolis Colts this offseason.
Flacco last week signed with the Colts on a one-year deal worth up to $8.7 million. While the deal comes with $4.5 million in guaranteed money, it doesn’t come with the guarantee of a starting gig.
Flacco is expected to be the backup behind Anthony Richardson, who is working his way back from a significant shoulder injury that prematurely ended his rookie season. In Flacco’s eyes, being Richardson’s backup doesn’t automatically equate to being the youngster’s mentor.
Joe Flacco Has Strong Take About Him Mentoring Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson
On Friday, Flacco was officially introduced as a member of the Colts. During his press conference, Flacco was asked about his potential role as a mentor to Richardson and other young players. His response was eloquently put and had a lot of truth to it, but also might be quite polarizing to some members of the Colts’ fan base.
“I really don’t believe that’s the job of a backup quarterback,” said Flacco during his presser. “I believe that happens naturally as you become part of the team … and you are obviously going to do that. I’ve proven to be, as far as I’m concerned, a good teammate. I think that’s the most important.
“It’s not like you’re going to sit there and hold people’s hands and do different types of things. You have relationships with people, just like you do on every single team you’re on.”
Flacco emphasized how he has no plans of forcing a mentorship with Richardson or any other young player. He believes that will likely happen naturally.
The former Super Bowl MVP also added that every quarterback, backup or not, should be yearning to take the field. Only with that mindset could he, or any other quarterback, be fully engaged with the offense and be beneficial for the rest of the quarterback room.
Joe Flacco Gives The Indianapolis Colts A Reliable Backup Behind Anthony Richardson
The Colts are certainly hoping that Richardson manages to stay healthy this coming season. But Flacco at least gives the team some veteran insurance in case the recovering sophomore quarterback has to miss any time.
Flacco was a revelation for the Cleveland Browns last season after the team had lost starter Deshaun Watson for the season. The former Baltimore Ravens quarterback played some of the best football of his career during his five-game regular season run with the Cleveland Browns.
Of course, it did all come crashing down in the playoffs against CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans. But the hope among Colts fans is for Flacco not to have to carry as significant of a load in Indy.
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