Anthony Richardson’s meteoric rise reached its peak this season as the Indianapolis Colts quarterback was officially named Premier Madden League MVP, capping off one of the most dominant individual performances the league has seen in years.
Richardson didn’t just put up numbers — he transformed the trajectory of the Colts franchise. After scraping into the playoffs last season as a Wild Card team, Indianapolis surged to a 12–5 record, captured the AFC South crown, and firmly established itself as one of the league’s most dangerous teams. While the postseason ended earlier than many in Indy hoped, the overall season was a resounding success and a clear statement: the Colts are contenders, and Anthony Richardson is their engine.
From Playoff Participant to Division King
Last year’s Colts were competitive but inconsistent. This season, under Richardson’s command, they became authoritative. His week-to-week excellence elevated the entire roster, turning close games into decisive wins and giving Indianapolis control of the AFC South race well before the regular season finale.
Richardson’s poise, explosive playmaking, and command of the offense consistently put pressure on opposing defenses. Whether it was dissecting secondaries from the pocket or breaking games open with his legs, he dictated how defenses had to play — and more often than not, they had no answers.
MVP Numbers That Tell the Story
Richardson’s statistical profile reads like something pulled straight from an all-time great season:
Passing
- 353 completions on 458 attempts
- 5,155 passing yards
- 47 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions
- 138.1 passer rating
- 76% completion percentage
- 11.3 yards per attempt
These aren’t just MVP-caliber numbers — they’re historic. The efficiency stands out as much as the volume. Completing 76% of his passes while averaging over 11 yards per attempt is nearly unheard of, showcasing a quarterback who was both aggressive and precise.
Rushing
- 103 rushing attempts
- 941 rushing yards
- 15 rushing touchdowns
- 7.4 yards per carry
- 55.4 rushing yards per game
Richardson’s dual-threat ability separated him from every other MVP candidate. His rushing production rivaled top-tier running backs, and his red-zone dominance made the Colts nearly impossible to stop inside the 20.
How This Season Stacks Up Historically
When stacked against former MVP winners in league history, Richardson’s season holds its own — and in many cases, surpasses them. Few MVP quarterbacks have ever combined 5,000+ passing yards, 45+ passing touchdowns, and double-digit rushing touchdowns in a single season.
Compared to classic pocket passers who’ve won the award, Richardson offered more explosiveness and versatility. Compared to mobile MVPs of the past, his passing efficiency and decision-making were on another level. This wasn’t just an athletic quarterback winning on highlights — this was a complete, polished MVP season.
The 138.1 passer rating alone places him in elite company, while his total offensive touchdown count puts him among the most productive players the league has ever crowned MVP.
A Season to Remember — and a Warning to the League
While the Colts’ playoff run ended sooner than expected, it does little to diminish the magnitude of Richardson’s season. If anything, it sets the stage for what’s next. The AFC South now knows the Colts are coming for the crown again.
Anthony Richardson didn’t just win MVP — he announced himself as the face of the league. With hardware in his trophy case, Richardson now has his eyes set on a Lombardi.
