Peyton Manning on Anthony Richardson: 'I told him I'm pulling for him hard'

As he enters his rookie season in the NFL, there’s no doubt that Colts QB Anthony Richardson will have his share of supporters and doubters. Former fellow SEC and Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning, though, is counting himself in the first of those two groups.

The Hall of Famer spoke with FOX59 & CBS4 in Indy about Richardson after the rookie found out that he’d be the franchise’s starting quarterback last week. He said he got in touch with the rookie to applaud him on the recognition while also stating his belief in the coaching staff to get the most out of the No. 4 pick.

“I congratulated him on the news and wished him the best of luck. I told him I was pulling for him hard,” Manning said. “He’s got a great attitude and he’s going to work at it.”

“I know Shane (Steichen) and (offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter) have worked with different quarterbacks,” said Manning. “Shane, coming off what he’s done with Jalen (Hurts), is a great blueprint.”

Rather than rolling with Richardson, Indianapolis could have played his development slow by starting Gardner Minshew or Sam Ehlinger. Still, since they chose to give him a go, Manning believes it must mean that Richardson earned the job outright.

“By no means would I think they’re doing this for any other reason than he’s earned the job and they can build the offense around him even though he’s young,” Manning said.

Richardson finished his preseason debut by completing 7/12 passes for 67 yards and an interception in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. He then didn’t see action in Indianapolis’ next outing against the Chicago Bears.

It’s not often that you see a Tennessee Volunteer give a Florida Gator a pat on the back. However, due to that Colt’s connection, it must mean a lot for Richardson to have an all-time player like Manning cheering him on.

Michael Pittman predicts Richardson will be a Hall of Famer

Colts WR Michael Pittman is certain of how he feels about his new QB1.

Pittman heaped some major praise on Richardson in a clip shared by the NFL on CBS. He said that Richardson will eventually end up in Canton, Ohio one day down the line considering the sky-high potential that he has shown off already during training camp.

Is Anthony Richardson going to be a Hall of Famer?

Michael Pittman told @jjones9 he will be 👀 pic.twitter.com/6VfXkAQAk2

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 17, 2023

“Yes, yes he is (going to the Hall of Fame),” Pittman stated.

“He still has probably like 15 years to go. But I mean, like, I see him (and) dude’s a freak out here,” said Pittman. “Like, he’s, what, 240, can probably bench press a house. He’s like faster than me probably but, like, I would never tell him that though.”