Daniel Jones Named Starting QB for Colts, Anthony Richardson Responds with Respect
The Indianapolis Colts officially named Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback for the 2025 NFL season, ending a highly anticipated competition with Anthony Richardson. The decision was announced on August 19, with Jones set to start in the Colts’ season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 7.
Jones, a former New York Giants quarterback who joined the Colts in March on a one-year, $14 million contract, brings experience and consistency to the role. Meanwhile, Richardson, the Colts’ 2023 first-round pick and former starter, will begin the season as the backup.
Coaching Philosophy and Decision Factors
Colts head coach Shane Steichen emphasized that the starting job would be awarded to the player the coaching staff trusted most to “run the operation” effectively. Steichen highlighted consistency and good decision-making as top priorities, saying, “You have to be able to move the football consistently up and down the field, and make good decisions.” He noted that while splash plays are valuable, the quarterback’s passing game must perform on a consistent basis to achieve team goals.
Daniel Jones’s track record for steadiness and reliability ultimately outweighed Richardson’s explosive playmaking skills, leading the Colts to favor the safer, more consistent approach heading into the season.
Anthony Richardson’s Reaction
Speaking publicly for the first time since the announcement, Richardson expressed respect for the organization’s decision. “You have to respect the decision,” Richardson told reporters. “They feel like he’s a better fit for the team and the outcome of us winning. You have to respect it and keep working.”
Richardson also affirmed that the decision does not diminish the progress he has made. “It doesn’t undermine any of the work I’ve put in. It doesn’t say I haven’t improved. I’m proud of the improvement I’ve made,” he stated.
The 23-year-old quarterback, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, has faced challenges including injuries and inconsistent performance in his first two NFL seasons. Last year, Richardson appeared in 11 games but dealt with back, foot, and hip injuries, which limited his playing time.
Agent’s Perspective and Future Outlook
Richardson’s agent expressed disappointment with the decision and indicated that Richardson’s future with the Colts is uncertain. The agent questioned whether the decision was predetermined when the Colts signed Jones earlier this year and suggested that trust between Richardson and the coaching staff has become “at best, questionable.”
Despite this, Richardson conveyed no hard feelings and emphasized his commitment to continuing his development as a quarterback. Observers note that while Jones provides a steady presence, Richardson’s raw talent and athleticism leave open potential opportunities—either with the Colts in the future or elsewhere in the league.
Colts’ Season Outlook
The Colts are entrusting Daniel Jones to lead their offense as they aim to improve from recent seasons. Jones’s experience and consistency align with the team’s strategy to stabilize the quarterback position.
The quarterback battle in Indy underscored a broader theme in the NFL: balancing explosive potential against reliable performance when choosing starters, especially at high-pressure positions like quarterback.