INDIANAPOLIS -- Anthony Richardson arrived at Indianapolis Colts headquarters the day after the 2023 NFL draft buoyed by optimism and the confidence that comes with being the fourth overall selection.
The Colts were saying, both in words and actions, that they believed he would become their franchise quarterback. And when coach Shane Steichen named him their opening day starter after Richardson had played just one quarter of preseason football, the Colts seemed to reinforce that they were committed to going on an unpredictable ride with their talented but inexperienced 21-year-old draft pick.
Now, just 2 ½ years later, those days feel like ancient history.