One of the Colts’ top wide receivers had encouraging things to say about franchise QB hopeful Anthony Richardson during Super Bowl week.
According to Michael Pittman Jr. at ‘Super Bowl week’ in New Orleans, Indianapolis Colts soon-to-be third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson seemingly grew from his midseason two-game benching, after inexplicably tapping out in-game during Week 8 at the Houston Texans:
Michael Pittman, Jr. says Anthony Richardson is putting in the work to become better every day. pic.twitter.com/gjP6LpVzTx
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) February 4, 2025
The surprising in-game tap-out was the subject of much national criticism from NFL sports media analysts and talking heads alike.
The young quarterback apparently took the learning lesson to-heart and showed improved dedication to his craft both in and out of the Colts building—while demonstrating poise, humility, and accountability throughout his short-lived demotion and subsequent promotion back into the Indianapolis starting lineup.
Something that was also reiterated by Pittman Jr. to WISH-TV’s Anthony Calhoun:
I connected with Michael Pittman Jr. at #SuperBowlLIX. We talked #Colts and QB Anthony Richardson.
I’ve interviewed MPJ many times but this felt different regarding his support towards AR and how much he believes in his QB.
“At times I felt like everybody was throwing shots at… pic.twitter.com/C8diEm85qp
— Anthony Calhoun (@ACwishtv) February 4, 2025
Unfortunately, Pittman Jr. and Richardson didn’t connect as much as initially expected this past season, as the Colts’ 2023 lead wideout saw his receiving production diminished because of playing through a later revealed fractured back injury suffered.
Specifically, Pittman Jr. finished with 69 receptions for 808 receiving yards and 3 touchdown receptions during 16 games (14 starts) this past season.
Richardson was also limited to 11 starts in 2024 because of injuries and his benching.
This quarterback-to-wide receiver combination will look to have a more productive season together in 2025—with hopefully improved chemistry and better health collectively.