Colts teammate Anthony Richardson sent a warning after a bench shake

Now-benched Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson has received a stern warning from veteran teammate Zaire Franklin, just days after the signal-caller officially retired from foul play.

Joe Flacco was named the Colts starter “of the future” by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

The move comes after Richardson sparked outrage during Sunday’s game against the Texans when he appeared to ‘tap’ a key third goal in the third quarter, later telling reporters he was tired.

Franklin shared a united front with Richardson, while also making sure to share his thoughts on what he considered a huge mistake.

“We stood there and looked at it,” Franklin said. “I’m here to look for a young bull, let me just say that. He threw a big d-lineman off his back. He does stuff like that all the time.”

Anthony Richardson appeared to be ‘ticking out’ during Sunday’s game and has been on the bench ever since

Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin gave his veteran advice to the younger Richardson this week

“He said, ‘I’m not going to lie, I’ve been tried. Lie, just lie. Please help me. Lie, like you stole something.”

Franklin added that he has not yet had a chance to talk to Richardson about the situation, but said his “tired” response is not the ideal sentiment to express to the media.

“It’s just not the response you can give as a leader of the team after a situation,” Franklin continued. “It’s just not how you want to handle it.”

Franklin has been with the Colts since 2018 and only played for Indianapolis in his NFL career.

Richardson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft as the third quarterback behind Bryce Young and CJ Stroud.

Richardson’s inclusion means two of those three have been relegated this season, with Young being sent to second place in favor of Andy Dalton last month. Young will resume starting duties for the one-win Panthers on Sunday.