Anthony Richardson’s ‘emotions are everywhere’ ahead of draft night
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As Anthony Richardson walked into the Gators Online studio for his final sit-down interview before the NFL Draft, he had his go-to item in hand and did not fumble the bag. However, this one wasn’t the one he usually carries.
Richardson brought a 27.5-ounce Family Size bag of Skittles, his favorite candy, with him for a 10:30 a.m. interview. And there’s more where that came from, as Richardson loaded for his trip to Kansas City this week.
“Oh yeah. I’m gonna have some Skittles, I’m gonna have some Starburst, I’m gonna have all the snacks,” said Richardson, who also showed up to the interview in a vintage Tim Tebow shirt.
On Thursday night, Richardson will become the first Florida quarterback selected in the first round since Tim Tebow. He could also top Steve Spurrier — who was picked third overall in 1967 — as the highest-drafted Gators QB in school history.
“Getting ready to get drafted doesn’t feel real,” Richardson said. “I don’t even know what it’s going to feel like, honestly. I’ve dreamed about it a lot of times, but I don’t think my dreams are going to live up to the actual moment. So, I’m just waiting to see what it’s going to be like.”
He traveled to Kansas City with a draft party of 41 people, including Florida coach Billy Napier and UF offensive analyst Ryan O’Hara. Richardson will also be joined by his closest family and friends, including his former high school Cedderick Daniels.
He’s looking forward to sharing the moment with them, and although he knows their joy won’t keep him from crying on draft night.
“I’m excited, but my emotions are everywhere,” Richardson said. “Sometimes I’m just chill. Like, ‘OK, this is just a regular day.’ And sometimes I’m like super happy and I get super anxious. It’s like, I’m all over the place.
“But it feels good having my family, my supporting cast and just everybody that’s helped me get to this point be there. And I just can’t wait to see everybody’s smile on their faces, because I know I’m gonna cry. But I’m ready to hear my name called.”
After Richardson shakes hands and poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, is he considering doing a backflip on stage?
“Oh nah, I can’t mess up my suit,” he said. “I probably could, but I don’t want to mess it up. I gotta look spiffy.”
He also doesn’t need Skittles and Starburst falling out his pockets.
Stay tuned for more stories and videos this week from Gators Online’s sit-down interview with Anthony Richardson.
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