Michael Pittman Jr. and multiple other Colts players are proving a loud online rumor about Anthony Richardson to be false

The Indianapolis Colts made the surprising decision to bench second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. Many online have speculated that a major reason for this decision is that Richardson must have lost the respect of his teammates in the locker room, especially after he chose to "tap out" […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) celebrates his touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts made the surprising decision to bench second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. 

Many online have speculated that a major reason for this decision is that Richardson must have lost the respect of his teammates in the locker room, especially after he chose to "tap out" for a play in the team's Week 8 loss to the Houston Texans.

But Michael Pittman Jr. and multiple other key Colts players are putting that rumor to bed as they show they are still in Richardson's corner.  

Colts players that still fully support Anthony Richardson after the team's decision to bench him

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) is consulted by linebacker Cameron McGrone (59) after being sacked by the Houston Texans in the second half at NRG Stadium.
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Michael Pittman Jr. 

Pittman Jr. took to social media to let the entire world know his thoughts on Richardson. His message to the 2023 first-round pick was simple: "Trust the process, we goin to spin back better." That certainly doesn't sound like a WR who thinks his time playing with Richardson has come to a permanent end. 

Josh Downs

Josh Downs took the literal approach when asked if he thought he would play with Richardson again. He highlighted that new starting QB Joe Flacco is up there in age, saying he's "like 40 years old." Also, Richardson is still only "22 or 23." Downs also chose to go to bat for Richardson against people who have been bashing him for "tapping out" for a play in Week 8 against the Texans. 

Quenton Nelson 

Colts star left guard Quenton Nelson has never been shy to share his full support for Richardson as the team's starting QB. Even now, with him benched, he hasn't changed his tune one bit. He shared that he still has "a bunch of faith in AR." He knows Richardson is going to get another opportunity, and when he does, "he's going to do well." 

Zaire Franklin

Another player who has always been loud in his support of Richardson is Colts linebacker, Zaire Franklin, whether speaking to the media or through his The Trenches Show podcast. Franklin shared that he still "100%" believes Richardson is the future of this team. With the news of Richardson's benching becoming public, Franklin chose to share a personal story of his journey in the NFL with the media and Richardson. Franklin shared that during his rookie year, "I don't think I took it as seriously as I should've," and as a result, "I lost my spot." He shared that it took him four years to start again, and while he doesn't think that will be Richardson's story, he did think it is important to share it with him. 

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