Richardson can’t believe how old Flacco is.
Anthony Richardson next to Joe Flacco, Colts logo background

The Indianapolis Colts quarterback room features ages from both ends of the spectrum. While franchise signal-caller Anthony Richardson is barely old enough to drink, backup Joe Flacco is old enough to have adult children.

Richardson has enjoyed poking fun at Flacco’s age during OTAs, via Colts reporter Larra Overton.

“Anthony Richardson, who turns 22 today, when asked about sharing the QB room with 39 year old Joe Flacco: ‘Joe was in the NFL when I was in elementary school,’ with a laugh,” Overton tweeted. “Numerous times, reiterated, ‘Its Joe Flacco, man!’”

Richardson has good reason to be starstruck. Flacco was the Super Bowl XLVII MVP, as well as the joint record holder for passing touchdowns in a single postseason, which he accomplished in the championship-winning 2012 campaign. He tossed 11 scores, beating Peyton Manning and Tom Brady in back-to-back playoff thrillers.

Although he may be in the twilight of his career, Flacco proved last season that he’s still not washed up. The Delaware alum won NFL Comeback Player of the Year as a member of the Cleveland Browns, unexpectedly leading the team to the playoffs after joining mid-season.

Needless to say, Flacco’s veteran presence and mentorship will be invaluable to Richardson’s development,

Richardson has also been developing his relationship with running back Jonathan Taylor, via Overton.

“RB Jonathan Taylor says in supplement to time on field in OTAs, he’s made a point to have constant conversations with QB Anthony Richardson, following up from film sessions and practices,” Overton tweeted. “JT says he might ask Ant “what was your thought process here” to continue building rapport.”

Richardson and Taylor’s offseason work will be beneficial for their chemistry this season, as both players missed time due to injury last year.

Will the second-year quarterback take a step forward this season?

Richardson must develop his mechanics and play cautiously to become the next Colts great

Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Anthony Richardson stretches his neck before answering questions at a press conference Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center, the Colts Complex.

Richardson barely got his feet wet last year before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury. The 2023 fourth-overall pick only appeared in four games, tossing 577 passing yards, with three touchdowns and one interception. He also added 136 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries.

To avoid further catastrophe, it would be best for Richardson to use his legs sparingly and get rid of the ball as quickly as possible. However, the Florida alum doesn’t seem concerned with his durability, via NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman.

“Changing my game and my play style? I don’t feel like there’s anything wrong with my play style,” Richardson said. “People see me, I’m a big quarterback, so they always think, ‘Oh, he wants to run the ball all the time, he wants to be physical and that’s what’s gonna get him hurt.’ But that’s not the case. The times I did get hurt… The one time, the one concussion, that was me completely because I slowed down by the end zone — you’re never supposed to do that. Everything else, it just happened because we play a dangerous game, and there’s nothing I can do about that.”

If Richardson does continue to run often and extend plays, he’d better master the art of sliding and evading tacklers. If he doesn’t, the Colts could be looking at another tragically shortened career for their quarterback, not too long after the Andrew Luck saga a few years ago.