In a shocking revelation during a post-minicamp press conference, Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard dropped a bombshell: quarterback Anthony Richardson will face an “open” competition heading into training camp. While most assumed the 2022 No. 4 overall pick was the entrenched starter, Ballard’s words flipped the script — and set off a firestorm among fans and analysts alike.
The battle lines have been drawn
The open competition puts Richardson in direct contention with seasoned backup Gardner Minshew and rookie sensation Davis Leary, the fourth-round pick out of NC State. While Minshew is the known veteran commodity with plenty of starting experience, it’s Leary who has quietly turned heads at camp with his poise, accuracy, and deep-ball touch. Richardson, returning from an injury-marred rookie campaign and an inconsistent 2024 season, is now tasked with proving that he can not only stay healthy but lead the team consistently. This quarterback battle may be the fiercest in the league, and Ballard made it clear: “No one has a guaranteed job.”
Fanbase reaction: electric, divided, emotional
Colts fans have flooded social media and sports radio with opinions, and the split is sharp. One side of the fanbase, the Richardson loyalists, see this as disrespect toward a young quarterback with generational talent. “Let AR cook,” has become a rallying cry among this group, who argue that Richardson needs continuity, not chaos. They point to his improved mechanics, leadership presence, and potential as reasons why this job should be his without question.
But on the other side, a growing segment of fans is calling for accountability. Some believe Richardson’s inconsistency has worn thin, and that if Leary or Minshew is outperforming him, then the team must go with the best player — not the highest draft pick. This crowd appreciates the honesty of an open competition and believes Steichen will make the right call based on merit, not hype.
Inside the locker room: support and silence
While teammates have remained mostly diplomatic, sources say Richardson’s leadership remains strong in the locker room. Veteran linemen and wide receivers have been seen gravitating toward him during team drills, and Adonai Mitchell referred to Richardson as “my quarterback” during an interview. However, Minshew has also earned praise for his steady hand and mentorship, while Leary has reportedly been winning over players with his surprising command of the offense. No quarterback has pulled clearly ahead — which is both thrilling and concerning.
What this means for the 2025 season
A full-blown quarterback competition in late July is not what many envisioned for the Colts, but it’s exactly where they are. If Richardson wins the job, it will be because he beat out real challengers, not because it was handed to him. That could forge the foundation for a more resilient, mature quarterback. If Minshew or Leary wins, it may mean the Colts are adjusting their long-term vision — again.
Training camp will be must-watch. The quarterbacks are under the spotlight, and each practice rep could tip the scales. Colts Nation is holding its breath, hoping that clarity — and a spark — emerges from the chaos. In a division still wide open, the right quarterback could turn this team into a dark horse contender.
The battle for QB1 in Indianapolis is more than a storyline. It could be the defining drama of the 2025 NFL season.