Classy Move: Colts Fans Flock to Sam Ehlinger’s Side After Selfless Act

Indianapolis Colts fans now have another reason to root for Texas ex Sam Ehlinger.

It turns out, Ehlinger offered struggling quarterback Anthony Richardson rock-solid support behind the scenes until the starter rediscovered his footing.

In a report published by The Athletic, Richardson admits that Ehlinger, the Colts’ third-stringer, was his biggest supporter behind the scenes.

“Sam has always been in my corner,” Richardson told The Athletic. “Ever since I got here.”

Colts coach Shane Steichen said Richardson’s poor preparation habits were the main reason why he was demoted. Once that happened, Ehlinger took Richardson under his wing, according to the report.

“I just told him, ‘The systems and habits you create determine the man you’re gonna be, the father you’re gonna be, the husband you’re gonna be, and then, ultimately, the player you’re gonna be,’” Ehlinger told The Athletic. “We talked a lot about just building the right system to give you the best chance.”

Inside the fieldhouse at Class 5A Lovejoy, Ehlinger’s former high school coach Todd Dodge will love hearing that. Ehlinger’s words sound like that of his coaching mentor and close family friend.

Richardson’s newfound focus helped him win back the job, and it paid off Sunday when the quarterback led a come-from-behind 28-27 win.

Anyone at Texas can tell you that nobody prepared himself like Ehlinger, who took over as UT’s starter as a freshman in 2017. Ehlinger would lead the Longhorns to a victory over No. 6 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl at the end of the 2018 season.

Ehlinger left Texas as one of the most statistically dominant quarterbacks in school history. He currently ranks second all-time in passing yards (11,436) and posted a career record of 27-16 from 2017-2020.

With Ehlinger’s support, Richardson looks to keep the starting job the rest of the year.

“I just told him, ‘Phenomenal job, man,’” Steichen said, according to The Athletic. “’Let’s keep it going. Keep preparing the right way every week, man. You keep doing what you’re doing — man, it’s gonna be special.’”