Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell shares inspiring message, powerful moment with Anthony Richardson
Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell had a strong message for Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson after the game on Sunday night. The two met in the middle of the field and O’Connell told Richardson to keep working hard since he will be in the league for a long time.
“Do me a favor and remember something. You’re a bad dude, and you’re going to play a long time in this league,” Kevin O’Connell told Richardson. “Go to work every day, good things will happen to you. I still believe in you, I know these guys do, Shane [Steichen] does too. Man, this organization loves you. Go to work.”
O’Connell said this after the Vikings defeated the Colts 21-13. Richardson didn’t play in the game as he was recently benched for Joe Flacco. In six starts, Richardson has completed 44.4 percent of his passes for 958 yards, four touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 57.2 passer rating and a 3-3 record.
Last week, Steichen informed Richardson that Flacco will be the Colts starting QB going forward. “Not giving up on Anthony by any means – really not,” the Colts head coach said, per the team’s official website. “He’s a young player with a ton of talent and he’ll use this time to continue to develop and grow as a professional.”
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Anthony Richardson reacts to the Colts benching him
When Richardson was told the news, he told reporters he’d be ready when his number is called again. “I feel like there is an opportunity for me to step back on the field. When it does present itself, I’m gonna take advantage of it,” the former Florida Gators QB said.
The Colts are hoping Richardson can learn from Flacco who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens and was named Comeback Player of the Year in 2023. “If you can kind of give any of that to him in terms of just, this doesn’t have to be a negative thing,” Flacco said.
“I do really believe there are a lot of positives. I mean look, there are a bunch of guys around the league that haven’t played right as they come in the league who have gotten second or third chances as they’ve kind of matured and grown a little bit. I think there are a lot of advantages of being able to remove yourself a little bit and watch from a distance and learn and do those things.”