Former florida gators Quarterback Anthony Richardson is widely regarded as one of the biggest bets heading into the 2023 NFL Draft later this month, despite being among the best quarterbacks to enter this year.
But the 20-year-old Florida native hoped to appeal to coaches and general managers in an open letter published in The Players’ Tribune Thursday, writing about his trip to the project and the importance of soccer in his life.
Quarterback Anthony Richardson of Florida during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
“I know draft night is a big night for you, and it’s definitely a big night for me and my family. I don’t take for granted what it will mean to hear my name on that stage. This isn’t just about football. It’s a change. of life,” Richardson wrote.
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“I know a lot of you want to know if I’m ready to make a professional team. I keep hearing that the NFL isn’t like college. It’s a different level. It’s more mental. Nothing’s going to happen.” for you. I can tell you right now, if that’s what it takes, then I’m all set. With all due respect, that’s nothing new to me, it’s the same in life. If you want to eat, you have to work for it. I know all about it.”
Richardson spoke about the influence his uncle had on his youth and his subsequent death, which the quarterback says forced him to move on. He also spoke about the struggles his family faced and the motivation it created for him to reach the nfl
Anthony Richardson participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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“And I’m glad that’s the life I was given, the one God gave me, because it made me who I am today. It put something different inside of me. It gave me a different drive and a different vision. I didn’t make it.” I don’t want my mom to have to struggle anymore, and she definitely didn’t want my little brother to have to have the same life that I had growing up.”
Richardson put up modest numbers in his only year as The Florida opener. He completed 53.8% of his passes for 2,549 yards, with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 654 yards and nine scores.
Anthony Richardson of the Gators runs for yards against the Georgia Bulldogs at TIAA Bank Field on October 29, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (James Gilbert/Getty Images)
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“So to all the coaches and general managers reading this: see you in the draft. If you call the name Anthony Richardson, I promise you won’t be sorry,” Richardson wrote.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
