When Anthony Richardson removed himself from the Indianapolis Colts’ game against the Houston Texans on Sunday because he was “out of breath,” it wasn’t just a head-scratcher - it was flat-out unheard of.
Richardson’s decision to step off the field in a critical goal-to-go situation drew plenty of attention and for all the wrong reasons. The young quarterback admitted after the game, “Tired, I ain’t going to lie… I needed a break right there.” It’s one of the more bizarre moments we've seen from an NFL quarterback.
But here’s the thing: Lamar Jackson would never do that.
Lamar Jackson’s relentless durability
We’ve seen Jackson endure all kinds of punishment over the years, yet he’s consistently stayed in the fight.
He’s taken massive hits, scrambled for first downs, and has been the Ravens' most reliable playmaker since he entered the league in 2018. Even when exhausted, Jackson has proven he can dig deep and find another gear. In 2019, during his MVP season, he set the single-season rushing record for a quarterback with 1,206 yards and did it without tapping out for a breather.
That year, he carried the Ravens to a 14-2 record while leading the league in touchdown passes. And this wasn’t just a one-time thing - Jackson’s career has been defined by his endurance and ability to deliver in critical moments.
Richardson’s decision to come off the field is particularly confusing because it was on third-and-goal, a situation where a QB’s presence is most critical.
Imagine the uproar if Jackson subbed himself out in a similar situation. It’s impossible to picture because it just wouldn’t happen. Jackson is a competitor to his core - he’s stayed in games with banged-up knees, and a sprained ankle, and even once tried to return to the field after suffering cramps in the famous “poop game” against Cleveland.
Anthony Richardson tapping out of game is terrible for NFL
The optics of Richardson’s choice are damaging, especially for a young QB trying to establish himself as a leader.
I had never seen an NFL QB tap out while still being healthy until watching Anthony Richardson.. The QB is your franchise. The message it sends is loud and influential.
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 27, 2024
It’s the kind of moment that sets a quarterback back in terms of trust from teammates and coaches. Meanwhile, Jackson has earned his reputation as a warrior who battles until the final whistle. That’s why Ravens fans are confident with Lamar under center - he’s the type of player who thrives in high-pressure situations, not one who ducks out for a rest.
Bottom line: Richardson’s “out of breath” moment is simply not something you’ll see from Jackson, who’s built his legacy on grit and resilience. In a league where durability and leadership matter, Jackson stands in a league of his own.