A Pro Bowl nod wasn’t in the cards for Anthony Richardson this year. Next season could be a different story, though, if he makes an amazing comeback. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback played only four games as a rookie before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury.
Four players will represent the Colts at the 2024 Pro Bowl: Quenton Nelson, DeForest Buckner, Ryan Kelly, and Gardner Minshew. Nelson now has as many Pro Bowls as years played (six) and is clearly one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen.
Buckner and Kelly are replacing Chris Jones and Creed Humphrey, who are playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. This will be the first appearance for Minshew, who started the majority of the season, replacing Richardson. Perhaps Richardson will make his Pro Bowl debut next year.
Will Anthony Richardson Make the Pro Bowl Next Season?
Notable Top-Five Pick Quarterbacks Who Made Their First Pro Bowl During Their Second Season
Richardson was selected by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Throughout history, several quarterbacks drafted in the top five have earned their first Pro Bowl nod in their second season.
Peyton Manning is a good example. The former Tennessee star was drafted by the Colts first overall in 1998. As a rookie, he threw for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns. Yet, he had 28 interceptions, a record that still stands today, and led Indianapolis to a disappointing 3-13 record.
During his second season, Manning threw for 4,135 yards, 26 touchdowns, and only 15 interceptions. He powered the Colts to a 13-3 record and earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his Hall of Fame career.
Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in 2021, had a league-high 17 interceptions as a rookie. His Jacksonville Jaguars finished with a 3-14 record that season. The following year, Lawrence earned his first Pro Bowl nod as the Jags went 9-8 and ended a five-year playoff drought.
Other top-five pick QBs who became first-time Pro Bowlers in Year 2 include the likes of Drew Bledsoe, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, Jared Goff, and Carson Wentz.
Anthony Richardson is Primed for a Breakout 2024 Season
Quarterback Andrew Luck retired abruptly before the 2019 campaign. The Colts have tried to replace him, acquiring veterans like Philip Rivers, Wentz, and Matt Ryan over the years. Minshew did a respectable job this season, but he’s not the superstar franchise QB the team has been searching for.
Richardson is expected to be that guy. That’s why the Colts drafted him so high. When healthy, he was impressive as a rookie, showcasing his dual-threat ability. He threw for three touchdowns, rushed for four TDs, and recorded just one interception despite playing only four games. There’s no telling what he could’ve done if he played the entire season.
If he can shake off the injury bug next season, Richardson could certainly have a breakout year for the Colts. He’ll be surrounded by offensive weapons like Michael Pittman Jr. (if he re-signs as a free agent this spring). There’s also Jonathan Taylor, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and possibly another talented pass-catcher the team adds this offseason.
2024 may prove to be an electric season for Richardson. A Pro Bowl nod is possible as well as taking the Colts to the playoffs.
Main Photo: [Jenna Watson/Indy Star] – USA Today Sports
