GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 12: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators arrives carrying a bag of skittles before the start of a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 12: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators arrives carrying a bag of skittles before the start of a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Anthony Richardson: One of the “NFL’s Bravest”

Reading Time: 3 minutes

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach takes a fascinating behind the scenes look at the 2023 NFL Draft’s most polarizing prospect, Florida’s Anthony Richardson.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Anthony Richardson #15 of the Florida Gators arrives before the start of a game against the Missouri Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on October 08, 2022 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

In a world where even the simplest of actions can create controversy, athletes are viewed as leaders and role models and are thrust into the spotlight. They find themselves in this position regardless of whether or not they want this notoriety.

With fan bases often in the millions, young adults are considered leaders and role models. This results in their actions being scrutinized with an eye to the unflattering. Athletes need to present themselves in positive ways, because they can lose their careers over conduct. It is imperative they behave and take part in activities that are appropriate on and off the field. Aside from this, we as viewers like to know that the players we admire and root for are likable individuals.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson from the Florida Gators, understands this.

He has shown he is happy to serve as an influence to anybody watching him advance in his career.

From a young age, Richardson has displayed selfless qualities as he was faced with people watching him. He’s familiar with the responsibility of what it is like to be a leader.

Richardson’s experience as a leader

Once in high school, he made the decision to join the Academy of Fire and Emergency Medical Services program at Loften’s Professional Academies Magnet. He maintained his academic responsibilities while training to become certified in healthcare and public safety careers.

Here, according to The Athletic, the anticipated draft pick learned “teamwork via firefighter and emergency response training. He matured through physical and mental challenges that tested reaction time and the ability to work with strangers. He worked through drills designed to mimic real-life situations, complete with lessons in encouraging one another in moments of struggle.”

While participating in this training, Richardson played for the Eastside High School Rams football team. He willfully took on more responsibilities than a lot of students choose to. This displayed signs of an excellent work ethic. This showed he had a clear understanding of what it takes to be a role model. 

Standing at 6-foot-4 and 232 pounds, Richardson is now in a unique position playing quarterback. In a recent interview with NBC’s Michael Smith, he talks about how his physical size helped him mature earlier and assist in leading others.

Drive and determination

The public only knows Richardson for his career as a football player. However, he has also shown interest at Florida in the study of criminology. In 2019, he talked about a possible career in law enforcement or as a detective. It is clear that Richardson has the drive and determination to succeed, whether on the field or off.

As stated previously, not every player in the NFL is concerned with volunteer work. Many consider anything that doesn’t contribute to their career as an athlete to be a waste of time. However, what they’re not understanding is that fans draw towards players who they admire. If players are only engaging in endorsement deals, or participating in activities only serving them in the long run, it isn’t likely they will develop a lot of respect from fans, coaches, or other NFL officials.

Without this, it only makes it more difficult to have a successful career as an athlete.

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated in what kinds of activities players participate in off the football field. Growing up in New Jersey, she is a New York Giants fan and attends Rutgers University, pursing a career in Journalism and Media Studies. She writes for FirstRoundMock.com covering anticipated draft picks and their acts of volunteerism, entrepreneurship, and other interests that shape these individuals.

Featured Articles

Former NFL Scout: Caleb Williams is a Bust

Reading Time: 3 minutes Watch every game of USC QB Caleb Williams in 2023 embedded into this article.

Read More...

NFL High-Risk Pick: Heisman Trophy Winner QB Jayden Daniels

Reading Time: 3 minutes Watch LSU QB Jayden Daniels in 12 games from the 2023 season embedded in this article.

Read More...

Oregon QB Bo Nix Puts Up First-Round Game Film

Reading Time: 3 minutes Watch 24 games of Oregon QB Bo Nix embedded into this article and the two attached articles within this article.

Read More...

Shedeur Sanders Presents ‘2Legendary’ Podcast

Reading Time: 2 minutes First Round Mock's Victoria Jonach looks into Colorado Buffaloes QB Shedeur Sanders and his new '2Legendary' podcast.

Read More...

Anthony Richardson is a Bust According to Former NFL Scout

Reading Time: 3 minutes Game film projects Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson as a fifth-round NFL Draft value.

Read More...

Will Levis is a Bust According to Former NFL Scout

Reading Time: 3 minutes Find out why Kentucky quarterback Will Levis has no chance in the NFL.

Read More...

Former NFL Scout Calls C.J. Stroud “Generational Talent”

Reading Time: 3 minutes C.J. Stroud has all the tools to be an NFL franchise quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Read More...

Travis Hunter Inks Exciting NIL Deal with United Airlines

Reading Time: 2 minutes First Round Mock's Victoria Jonach looks into Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter's new NIL deal with United Airlines.

Read More...

Ashton Jeanty: WOW

Reading Time: 3 minutes Watch 10 games of Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty during the 2023 season embedded into this article.

Read More...