5 Reasons Why Every Team Should Aim For Anthony Richardson

First Round Mock’s Victoria Jonach points out reasons why any team should want to draft Anthony Richardson in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.

It is officially the time of year where a new, eager group of college football players begin their professional careers. Many athletes have displayed incredible athleticism and skills on the field.

Anthony Richardson has certainly proved his abilities here, with his recent performances at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Gators’ pro day, and other tests of skill. 

However, Richardson offers more than just his power and agility to a team. His personality is an area that often goes unnoticed when it should be spotlighted.

Here are five reasons any team should be glad to land Anthony Richardson:

Richardson is certainly not lacking motivation 

Most athletes preparing for a professional career are focused solely on making their name known in the world of sports. Many consider charitable work a waste of time.

Richardson defies this stereotype. 

At only 14, he made the decision to join the Academy of Fire and Emergency Medical Services program at Loften’s Professional Academies Magnet. While maintaining his academic responsibilities, he became certified in healthcare and public safety careers. There, he was able to test his physical and mental limits. He also participated in situations mimicking real life events, which is great practice as quarterbacks often have to make quick, smart decisions.

Not too mention, he doesn’t shy away from giving back to his community

In May of last year, Richardson received a message via social media from a fan who had reached out a couple times before to discuss the team. He had recently suffered a seizure and because of this, couldn’t drive to help his girlfriend move her belongings out of her dorm at the University of Florida. Although he never expected Richardson to respond, he did, and the Florida QB gladly helped with all of the more arduous aspects of the move. 

Richardson has experience being in the spotlight

He continues to prove his diverse skill set, including his experience on the Netflix documentary series “QB1: Beyond the Lights.” The former Gator’s season of the show never aired (many believe because of its timing alongside the COVID-19 pandemic), but the star is familiar with the feeling of having cameras all around. 

The show ran for three seasons and focused on the transition high school quarterbacks go through as they make the transition to college athletics. The series has covered the lives of well known athletes such as Justin Fields, Jake Fromm, and more.

His athleticism is near unbeatable

To start, Richardson stands at 6-foot-4, 244 pounds. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he measured 10.5-inch hands and an early ability to reach new heights as an athlete, literally. Not only did his 1.53-second 10-yard split serve as the 3rd-best by a quarterback in Combine history. He also broke records for the best vertical (40.5 inches) and the best broad jump (10 feet, 9 inches).

If that isn’t impressive enough, the 20-year-old made quite the splash during Florida’s pro day last month. The QB got everyone’s attention when one of this throws hit the ceiling. After the workout, Richardson commented, saying, “I’d seen Will Levis do it,” he said. “Thought I’d see if I could put a hole through it.”

He knows how to take advantage of NIL opportunities

Participating in the world of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) is obviously not a requirement. However, when athletes are recruited by well-known brands, it is a good sign that they care about their careers. Richardson has definitely made this clear as he has partnered with several companies, including Gatorade, Champs Sports, and Fanatics. His work for each brand varies, but his commitment to his career and making a name for himself is evident. 

Victoria Jonach is an aspiring writer and media analyst fascinated by 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, pursuing 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.