The roar of the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium reached a fever pitch today as the Indianapolis colt announced that quarterback Anthony Richardson has officially been named the team’s senior quarterback for the 2025 season. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the franchise and its fans, who have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of Richardson’s role as the team’s leader on the field.
## A Rising Star Takes the Helm
Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been a beacon of hope for Colts fans since his arrival. Despite a challenging start to his NFL career, marred by injuries and inconsistent passing performances, Richardson’s athletic prowess and leadership qualities have never been in doubt. His designation as the “senior” quarterback—a term the Colts are using to signify his role as the primary leader of the offense—signals the team’s unwavering commitment to his development as their franchise quarterback.
In 2024, Richardson faced significant hurdles, completing just 47.7% of his passes for 1,814 yards, with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions over 11 games. His rushing ability, however, remained a standout, as he racked up 499 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. These glimpses of brilliance, combined with his remarkable physical attributes (6-4, 244 pounds), have kept the Colts’ faith in his potential intact.[](https://bolavip.com/en/nfl/anthony-richardson-net-worth)
The announcement comes after a highly publicized quarterback competition with veteran Daniel Jones, who was signed by the Colts in March 2025 to push Richardson. While Jones was set to start the team’s second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Richardson played the bulk of the first half, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities with a 21-yard completion to tight end Andrew Ogletree and a pinpoint 9-yard play-action pass to wide receiver Anthony Gould. Although the Colts lost 23-19, Richardson’s performance demonstrated his growth and readiness to lead.[](https://www.foxsports.com/nfl/anthony-richardson-player)
## A New Era at Lucas Oil Stadium
The decision to name Richardson the senior quarterback has electrified the atmosphere at Lucas Oil Stadium, where fans are already buzzing with anticipation for the 2025 season opener against the Miami Dolphins. The Colts’ organization, led by head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard, has made it clear that this is a make-or-break year for Richardson. The team has surrounded him with talent, including wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce, as well as running back Jonathan Taylor, to maximize his chances of success.[](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-anthony-richardson-must-set-up-success)
“Anthony has shown us he’s ready to take on this role,” Steichen said in a press conference following the announcement. “He’s put in the work, he’s grown as a leader, and we’re excited to see him lead this offense.” The head coach also hinted at schematic adjustments to better suit Richardson’s skill set, addressing criticisms that the team hasn’t always put him in the best position to succeed.[](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-anthony-richardson-must-set-up-success)
Running back Jonathan Taylor, who has formed a dynamic partnership with Richardson, expressed confidence in his quarterback’s focus and preparation. “He’s got that edge now,” Taylor said. “You can feel the purpose in everything he does. He’s ready to take us to the next level.”[](https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/news/colts-jonathan-taylor-locked-anthony-richardson-jets)
## Overcoming Challenges and Criticism
Richardson’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. His rookie season in 2023 was cut short by a shoulder injury after just four games, during which he showed flashes of brilliance with 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns. However, his passing struggles in 2024 led to public scrutiny and doubts about his ability to be the Colts’ long-term answer at quarterback. The signing of Daniel Jones and the drafting of Riley Leonard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft only intensified the pressure.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Richardson_%28American_football%29)[](https://www.profootballnetwork.com/colts-qb-depth-chart-behind-anthony-richardson-daniel-jones/)
Despite the setbacks, Richardson has remained resilient. His teammate, linebacker Zaire Franklin, has been a vocal supporter, offering mentorship and guidance through the young quarterback’s ups and downs. “Anthony’s got the heart of a lion,” Franklin said. “He’s faced adversity, but he’s never backed down. That’s why we believe in him.”[](https://motorcyclesports.net/anthony-richardson-indianapolis-colts-challenges/)
The Colts’ decision to name Richardson the senior quarterback also comes amidst speculation about his future with the team. Some analysts have suggested that a poor 2025 season could lead the Colts to explore other options, with LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier being floated as a potential draft target in 2026. However, the organization’s public backing of Richardson as their leader signals their belief that he can silence the doubters.[](https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/colts-predicted-replace-anthony-richardson-heisman-trophy-frontrunner-2114565)
## A Bright Future Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, the spotlight will be firmly on Anthony Richardson. Fans at Lucas Oil Stadium are ready to rally behind their young quarterback, whose electrifying playstyle and infectious passion have already made him a fan favorite. The team’s gameday themes for 2025, including the home opener and a tribute to late owner Jim Irsay, promise to create an unforgettable atmosphere as Richardson takes the field as the undisputed leader of the Colts’ offense.[](https://www.colts.com/news/2025-gameday-themes-jim-irsay-lucas-oil-stadium-indiana-nights-jersey-uniform)
With his rare combination of size, speed, and arm talent, Richardson has the tools to become one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. The Colts’ coaching staff, teammates, and fans are all banking on him taking a significant leap forward in 2025. If he can harness his potential and deliver consistent performances, the sky’s the limit for both Richardson and the Indianapolis Colts.
For now, the excitement at Lucas Oil Stadium is palpable. As one fan put it, “This is the best news we could hope for. Anthony Richardson is our guy, and we’re ready to see him shine.” The journey to greatness won’t be easy, but with Richardson officially named the senior quarterback, the Colts are ready to ride with their star into a new era of football in Indianapolis.
