Florida fans react to Anthony Richardson going 4th overall in 2023 NFL draft
The Indianapolis Colts drafted Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, and Florida fans and media are celebrating the former Gator’s accomplishment.
Richardson is the second-highest-drafted quarterback in program history behind only Steve Spurrier, who went third overall in the 1967 draft. He’s the first Florida signal caller to go in the first round since Tim Tebow and is by far the most exciting Gator turned pro in recent memory.
Indianapolis is an interesting fit for Richardson. The Colts need an answer under center sooner rather than later, but forcing Richardson into a starting role goes against everything the scouts have said leading up to the draft.
As one might expect, Twitter blew up with the news of Richardson being drafted and we’ve put together some of the best from the night.
He's a Colt!
Round 1, Pick 4: @Colts select @GatorsFB QB Anthony Richardson!https://t.co/VAjkEqVghy
📺: 2023 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/llGf3JWYUp— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) April 28, 2023
The moment AR found out
Anthony Richardson’s reaction to getting drafted 💙
Special moment for the QB
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/q10m0PsBRG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 28, 2023
You love to see it
For the first time in NFL history, three Black quarterbacks have gone in the top 10 of the #NFLDraft
◻️ Bryce Young — Carolina Panthers
◻️ C.J. Stroud — Houston Texans
◻️ Anthony Richardson — Indianapolis ColtsMore from @ByMikeJones:https://t.co/ccCHITUHSR pic.twitter.com/aFrX1EgrEs
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 28, 2023
Miss Katie speaks for us all
THE 4TH OVERALL PICK OF THE 2023 NFL DRAFT!!!!!!!! GO ANT!!! @GVOaant #GoGators🐊 pic.twitter.com/9x52wetG33
— Katie Turner (@katieturner0087) April 28, 2023
He's ready to get to work
— Anthony Richardson † (@GVOaant) April 28, 2023
There are those who don't like the pick
“I don’t necessarily love the pick.”@MicahhParsons11 talks the Colts taking Florida QB Anthony Richardson at No. 4
Tap in now to the B/R app for LIVE reactions to every pick before everyone else https://t.co/z8prmLFjY3 pic.twitter.com/okCYlBrDd6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 28, 2023
But plenty are excited about the match
Yep. Good thing is Shane Steichen has proven he can maximize a young quarterback’s strengths and create a comfortable offense around them.
I’m excited about Richardson’s fit in Indy. https://t.co/ml0opIuCpc
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) April 28, 2023
The story starts now
Anthony Richardson has "I want to be a legend" on the inside of his coat at the NFL draft 👀@LauraRutledge | @GatorsFB pic.twitter.com/mVCh1sRJcw
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) April 27, 2023
No NIL collective is covering that...
Indianapolis Colts select former #Gators QB Anthony Richardson No. 4. The 20-year-old from Gainesville will earn $36,874,031, including a $23,817,477 signing bonus.
— Edgar Thompson (@osgators) April 28, 2023
It looks like the Colts will be patient
Colts GM Chris Ballard on Anthony Richardson's completion rate: "The one thing we’re seeing in the league now is you work on guys and get them more accurate. I think you’ve seen guys jump in this league."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 28, 2023
This was a draft pick for the future
Chris Ballard on Anthony Richardson:
"We like what he can be. We drafted him for what he can be in the future.
We think it’s all in front of him."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) April 28, 2023
Coach Napier looking sharp
#GoGators @coach_bnapier @RickHurtadoPR #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/o92irVmm4O
— RYAN O'HARA (@CoachRyanO) April 28, 2023
And Coach Mullen sent in his congratulations
Congrats to @GVOaant Anthony Richardson is not only a special talent but a great young man.
— Dan Mullen (@CoachDanMullen) April 28, 2023
That is a fun fact, Robert!
Fun Fact-Anthony Richardson could throw a football 30-40 yards at 8 years old.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 28, 2023
The legend begins
The legend begins. @GVOaant x @Colts pic.twitter.com/NMGoDHEFOS
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 28, 2023
