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

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.

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.