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Anthony Richardson's strong start at Colts training camp has his biggest critic from last season turning into a believer
Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

All eyes have been on Anthony Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts' starting QB job since the team's signing of Daniel Jones was announced. The two are in an ongoing training camp battle, and the question around the NFL was whether this situation would motivate Richardson to reach new heights in his career or if he would falter under pressure.

The last few practices have seen Richardson make significant strides forward as a player. His display in practice as well as on the field before it begins has caught the attention of people looking on, including a former Colts player who just a year ago was one of the loudest critics of Richardson.

Former Colts punter and current sports media icon Pat McAfee has seen drastic improvement from Anthony Richardson on and off the field


Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pat McAfee watches during workouts at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Last season had many low moments for Richardson, with his public benching being the most notable. However, the viral moment, where he tapped out for a play in the red zone against an AFC South rival because he was "tired," created a lot of negative dialogue in the football world. One of the loudest critics of this behavior was former Colts star punter and current sports media icon Pat McAfee.

Weekly throughout the year, McAfee shared his opinion on Richardson, which, for the most part, included his disbelief in his long-term future as the Colts' QB. His struggles on the field played a role in him forming this opinion, but Richardson's lack of professionalism and ability to lead from the QB position felt like the real driving factor. Now, though, he and fellow former Colts player Darius Butler have made it known they are very excited about what they've seen from Richardson ahead of his third. Multiple times this week alone, the Pat McAfee show has made a point to bring up Richardson and praise how he has looked to start training camp.

While some fans might not have liked McAfee's words, there were certainly moments that raised some red flags. Knowing McAfee was strongly opposed to the idea of Richardson turning it around, this change of tune should catch fans' attention. He's been watching training camp highlights like the rest of the fan base, and he's liked the improvements he's seen from the Colts' third-year QB. But more importantly, he is a big fan of the preparation before practice and the attention to detail he has seen from Richardson. He still has to win the Colts' starting job, but the fact that Richardson has been able to turn two of his biggest critics from a year ago into believers is certainly notable.


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This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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