So apparently, Colts’ Anthony Richardson decided to take himself out of the game against the Texans in the 3rd quarter because he was feeling exhausted. Can you believe it?
I mean, come on, man! This is the NFL, not a friendly neighborhood pickup game. But hey, I guess even professional athletes need a breather sometimes, right?
When speaking to reporters about the odd situation, Richardson said, “Tired, I ain’t gonna lie. That was a lot of running right there that I did … So, I just told Shane (Steichen) I needed a break right there.”
Richardson pulling himself out of the game might have been due to his being tired from running, but it’s a situation that might look bad to his teammates and more. Longtime and legendary Colts punter, Pat McAfee called out Richardson the moment it happened.
McAfee stated in a post on X, “I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson. The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential.”
Richardson had apparently tapped his helmet signaling that he could not continue and had to be subbed out. Backup quarterback Joe Flacco would step in.
The young quarterback stated that he was having trouble breathing. Oddly enough, Richardson only rushed six times for 45 yards. He was not doing well through the air, posting 10-for-32 attempts for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
Richardson chose to pull himself out for one play, and Flacco came in. However, he returned immediately after. McAfee may have a point in that Richardson pulling himself might appear as if he is not fighting, but the young signal-caller might have also needed some oxygen.
Maybe he was just pushing himself too hard or maybe he didn’t have his morning coffee. Who knows? All I know is, if I was getting paid millions to play a sport, I would mess it up!
Flip to the next page to watch Anthony Richardson speak…
