Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson made waves across the NFL on Sunday after an unusual move on the field. During a close 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans, the second-year QB voluntarily pulled himself out of the game — not due to injury or illness, but simply because he was too tired to continue. Richardson’s decision has led to widespread debate, with fans and analysts questioning the leadership implications of a quarterback stepping out under these circumstances.
The 22-year-old QB revealed his reasoning post-game, openly admitting his fatigue: “Tired, ain’t gonna lie,” Richardson confessed. “That was a lot of running right there that I did, and I didn’t think I was gonna be able to go that next play. So, I just told [head coach Shane Steichen] I needed a break right there.”
Richardson’s performance in the game — completing just 10 of 32 passes for 175 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, along with 45 rushing yards — showcased both his potential and struggles. Despite his efforts, Richardson’s decision to take himself out in the third quarter has sparked frustration among fans and former players alike.
Colts’ alum and ESPN host Pat McAfee voiced strong disapproval, noting, “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.” McAfee’s sentiment echoed among many fans, some of whom labeled Richardson’s move as “soft” and questioned the message it sends to his teammates.
This latest episode has added to Richardson’s challenging season. So far, he has posted a 44.4% completion rate with 958 passing yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Critics argue that for a young QB, each game is an opportunity to prove his resilience and leadership — qualities that some feel were undermined by Sunday’s decision.
As Richardson navigates his second season, the incident has raised questions about the expectations for young quarterbacks in high-stakes environments. For a Colts team looking to build a solid foundation around its young QB, Richardson’s decision to sit out may cast a long shadow over his role as the team’s leader going forward.
