Anthony Richardson on Joe Flacco: 'Joe was in the NFL when I was in elementary school'

Anthony Richardson has a new backup quarterback with the Indianapolis Colts, and it’s someone who he admired growing up.

One of the more underrated moves of the offseason was Joe Flacco landing with the Colts. After Richardson missed much of his rookie season due to injuries, Indianapolis made sure to sign a capable backup who could also show Richardson the ropes. Flacco was the perfect man for the gig.

Speaking with the media as he gets back into the swing of things, Richardson made some hilarious comments regarding Flacco’s age, but it’s evident the former first-rounder has immense respect for the former Super Bowl champion.

“It’s crazy because, Joe was in the NFL when I was in elementary school,” Richardson told the media. “So it’s like man, every time I see him it’s like, ‘Man, there’s Joe Flacco right there.’ You know, I ask him questions all the time.

“He’s just laid back. He’s chill. I’m like, ‘Okay.’ I just ask him like, ‘How do you feel, now that you’re the older guy?’ He’s like, ‘I don’t see it like that, but it’s all good.’ Then in meeting rooms, he’s telling me certain things like, ‘I would do this, and I would do this, but you know, that’s just me.’ I’m like, ‘Okay, cool, I’ll take it and add it to my bank.’ But it’s amazing, just to have a veteran guy like that. It’s Joe Flacco. Yeah. … He played with Ray Lewis and all of those guys. I just remember like, riding on the school bus while he was winning the Super Bowl. So it’s amazing. It’s Joe Flacco man.”

Perhaps Flacco’s experience will help Richardson develop into the star quarterback he showed signs of being in 2023. He appeared in four games last season before being lost for the year with a shoulder injury.

Richardson threw for 577 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 136 yards and four scores, prior to going down.

Moreover, the Colts selected Richardson in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 4 overall pick. Richardson had an up-and-down career at Florida, but he displayed elite athleticism, which made him attractive to some teams in the draft.

Now, it’s up to the Colts to get the best out of Anthony Richardson, like we saw last season with the young quarterback. Count him out at your own risk, as the former first rounder could take a huge leap with Joe Flacco helping him find his way.