Chad Johnson Reveals His Honest Thoughts About Anthony Richardson
The Indianapolis Colts hoped Anthony Richardson would be further along by now.
The second-year quarterback entered the league with immense physical gifts and comparisons to some of the NFL’s most dynamic players.
Yet his development has been uneven, leaving questions about whether he can fulfill that early promise.
Former NFL All-Pro receiver Chad Johnson recently shared his blunt thoughts on Richardson’s progress during a segment of Nightcap.
“I’m mad because Anthony Richardson is supposed to be like Josh Allen. Anthony Richardson is supposed to be like a new version of Cam Newton. Like that’s the kind of potential, like I don’t know at what point what went wrong or what’s happened if he’s not focused, if he’s not locked in. […] If you get beat out by brother Daniel Jones, then a day like that, like in what I’m visualizing, if I was Anthony Richardson, it’s not happening,” Johnson said.
Anthony Richardson hasn’t lived up to his potential as qb1 for the Colts. Unc and Ocho discuss what could’ve been for the 3rd year vet.@ShannonSharpe @ochocinco @ShayShayMedia_ pic.twitter.com/F8CfARmNMh
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) August 17, 2025
Johnson expected Richardson to be negotiating a massive contract extension by this point in his career.
The former Florida quarterback possesses the arm strength and mobility that typically translates to franchise quarterback success.
Instead, Richardson continues working through growing pains that have defined much of his professional experience.
His preseason performances have shown both sides of his potential.
Richardson has displayed the athletic ability that made him a top draft pick.
He has also struggled with turnovers and inconsistent decision-making that concern coaches and fans alike.
The gap between physical talent and consistent production remains Richardson’s biggest challenge.
Elite quarterbacks typically master the mental aspects of the position quickly.
They process information faster and make better decisions under pressure.
Richardson still appears to be working toward that level of consistency.
His response to these challenges will determine whether he becomes the franchise cornerstone Indianapolis envisioned or another cautionary tale about unfulfilled potential.
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