Colts owner Jim Irsay pushes for Anthony Richardson to play early on: ‘It's going to be tough’

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Anthony Richardson was selected with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, and the Indianapolis Colts hope the Florida product will become their next franchise quarterback. 

The Colts have been searching for a quarterback since Andrew Luck abruptly retired prior to the start of the 2019 season, and owner Jim Irsay wants to see what he has in Richardson sooner rather than later.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) stretches during an Indianapolis Colts practice May 25, 2023, at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis.  (Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While Indianapolis has veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew on its roster, Irsay appears to be leaning toward Richardson, who he knows will take his lumps during his rookie season. 

"As you guys know, Peyton (Manning's) year we were 3-13, the first year. And that's a guy who played a lot of college games and was really prepared as much as he could be for the league. So, for Anthony Richardson, it's going to be tough. We know that, but he has to play to get better," Irsay said Monday on "The Pat McAfee Show." 

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"I mean, there's no question. Gardner (Minshew) could come out and obviously play better early on, just him being a veteran, but we have to get Anthony on the field. And that's Shane (Steichen's) call when he decides to do it."

Richardson was the third quarterback taken off the board in the draft. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud went first and second in the draft. 

Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson reacts after being chosen by the