Kevin O'Connell encourages benched Anthony Richardson: 'I still believe in you'

Anthony Richardson endured a difficult week ahead of the Indianapolis Colts' Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Richardson, the 2023 NFL Draft's No. 4 overall pick, was benched in favor of 39-year-old veteran Joe Flacco after struggling to open the 2024 season. That led to plenty of speculation about the second-year quarterback's future with the Colts and opinions that the 22-year-old may already be shaping into an early draft bust.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell is not among those counting out Richardson. He made that known during a chat with the young signal-caller after Minnesota's 21-13 victory over Indianapolis.

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O'Connell sought out Richardson on the field after the game and shared some words of encouragement with the Colts quarterback, as captured by footage shown on "Inside the NFL."

"Hey, do me a favor and remember something," O'Connell said. "You're a bad dude, and you're going to play a long time in this league."

Richardson seemed to appreciate O'Connell's gesture. He also was receptive to the brief bit of advice with which the third-year Vikings coach presented him.

"Go to work every day. Good things will happen for you," O'Connell said. "I still believe in you. I know these guys do. (Colts coach) Shane (Steichen) does too. Man, this organization loves you. Go to work."

O'Connell would know something about putting in work. He starred in college at San Diego State and performed well enough to become a third-round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2008 NFL Draft.

While O'Connell didn't pan out as a player – he played for five different NFL teams in five seasons and spent just one year with the Patriots – he stuck around in the NFL as a head coach. The 39-year-old cut his teeth as a quarterbacks coach and an offensive coordinator before taking over in Minnesota. He is tracking to earn the team its second playoff berth in the past three seasons.

Richardson might not have an easy path toward making an impact. The Colts are trying to win now and he has completed less than 50% of his passes, by far the lowest among qualified quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

Still, O'Connell's endorsement will help improve Richardson's confidence. He at least knows that one well-respected NFL offensive mind is in his corner "always" and will be giving him "all love" as he navigates some early career speed bumps.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How Kevin O'Connell supported Anthony Richardson after Colts benching