Billy Napier on Richardson: ‘Anthony is going to be a great Colt’
After Anthony Richardson heard his name called Thursday night in Kansas City, one of the first people to congratulate him was Florida Gators coach Billy Napier.
Napier was in the green room with Richardson when the Indianapolis Colts selected him with their fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Following the pick, Napier shared his reaction to his quarterback going in the top five.
“I’m just really proud of Anthony,” he said. “A product of a lot of hard work. Now, the fun stuff begins. I think Anthony is really looking forward to the opportunity to impact an organization, be a great teammate, set an example with his work ethic and approach.
“I’ve watched this guy for a year now and it’s been fun to watch, but also great to know as a person. The best is truly yet to come here. This guy’s best football is in front of him. Really happy for his family and all of the people that contributed. A unique young man and unique story and couldn’t be more happy for him and his family.”
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Richardson started all 12 regular-season games last season in Napier’s first year. After no touchdowns and four interceptions through the first three games, he threw for 17 touchdowns with just five picks over the last nine games of 2022.
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He played in 24 career games with 13 starts and totaled 3,105 passing yards with 24 passing touchdowns on 215 completions. An All-SEC Freshman Team selection in 2021, he ran for a career 1,116 yards and 12 scores on the ground.
Napier discussed what the Indianapolis Colts are getting in Richardson on and off the field.
“First of all, a loyal teammate. A guy that takes great pride in doing his job for the team. He’s going to be a great representative of the organization and community. Really just a unique talent. Arm talent, phenomenal athlete. 6-4, 250 pounds.
“There’s not been many players like Anthony Richardson in the history of this game,” Napier said. “I’m excited. He’s found a group that believed in him and wants to build around him. Anthony is going to be a great Colt.”
Stories and videos from Gators Online’s sit-down interview with Anthony Richardson.
Richardson’s Journey from ‘Hometown Hero’ to the NFL
Richardson reflects on highs, lows of Florida Gators career
![A touchdown is celebrated with fireworks in the first half at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, September 17, 2022. [Cyndi Chambers/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Vs Usf Bulls](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2023/08/27214921/Untitled-design-4-4.png)
![Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III (3) hauls in a pass while taking balls from a throwing machine during University of Florida Gators’ Spring football practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, March 28, 2024. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/08/01212103/Untitled-design-80.png)