Those who spend enough time listening to Colts owner Jim Irsay are bound to be treated to a rock and roll reference, and quarterback Anthony Richardson was handed the most recent musical comp.
This is, after all, a man whose assortment of guitars ranks among the most renowned in the world. His music memorabilia collection spans decades, ranging from Bob Dylan's guitar from the 1965 Newport Folk Festival to Kurt Cobain's from the "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video.
Irsay's Wednesday afternoon musical comparison for the Indianapolis quarterback, however, raised eyebrows.
"Like Jon Landau said about Bruce Springsteen back in (1974): 'I've seen the future of rock and roll and his name is Bruce Springsteen.' Well, I've seen the future of the NFL and his name is Anthony Richardson," Irsay said. "And I believe it."
Jim Irsay gave me the most Jim Irsay quote ever.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 18, 2023
"Like Jon Landau said about Bruce Springsteen back in (1974): 'I've seen the future of rock and roll and his name is Bruce Springsteen.' Well, I've seen the future of the NFL and his name is Anthony Richardson. And I believe it."
Irsay was alluding to a famously glowing 1974 review of a (not yet world-famous) Springsteen show in The Real Paper, a former Boston-area alt-weekly; Landau went on to become Springsteen's longtime manager and co-producer.
Richardson, the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft, threw three touchdown passes against one interception, while rushing for four additional scores in four games this season. On Wednesday morning, Irsay announced in a tweet that he would undergo shoulder surgery and miss the rest of the season.
After consultation with our medical staff, Anthony, and those close to him, it has been determined that he will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder, which will end his season. Anthony is a competitor, and we know how difficult and disappointing this is for him and our…
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) October 18, 2023
