Richardson sees himself as 'the franchise' but expects help from Colts

Being the main guy isn't something new for Anthony Richardson, but the Indianapolis Colts quarterback is expecting a lot of support from his teammates as the team tries to meet high expectations in 2023.

"People always talk about how I'm the franchise," the No. 4 overall pick said Monday, according to Mike Chappell of FOX59. "I see it that way, but (teammates) are here before I was here. They're part of the franchise as well."

The Florida product, recently named Indianapolis' Week 1 starter, said he's used to being surrounded by high expectations throughout his football career.

"People were always saying I was the face of the school," he said. "There was a lot of pressure, not only from in Gainesville but just from Gator fans in general. They always want the best. Wearing 15, being the quarterback, and then growing up in Gainesville, everybody expects so much from you."

The Colts historically have fielded some of the most talented quarterbacks of all time, but the franchise has been desperately looking for stability at the position since Andrew Luck retired in 2019. Indy has used seven different starting QBs in the last four seasons.

"Everybody wants me to come here and win a Super Bowl my first year. I wish I could, and I hope I can," said Richardson, the Colts' highest-drafted player since taking Luck first overall in 2012.

"I know (the Colts) invested a lot in me. But I'm not the only person on this team. They invested a lot into the other players. They invested a lot into this staff."

Coming off a 4-12-1 season, the Colts hired Shane Steichen as head coach this past offseason. Indianapolis ranked 30th in points scored and 28th in points allowed in 2022.

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