Kevin O’Connell goes viral for his message to Anthony Richardson

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks with the media.

Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell is going viral on Thursday for his encouraging message to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson.

A mic’d up O’Connell offered Richardson some words of encouragement at the end of Sunday’s game between the Vikings and Colts. O’Connell encouraged the recently-benched Richardson to keep working hard, and made it clear that a lot of people still firmly believe in the second-year quarterback.

“Do me a favor and remember something. You’re a bad dude, and you’re going to play a long time in this league,” O’Connell told Richardson. “Go to work everyday. Good things will happen for you. I still believe in you. I know these guys do. Shane (Steichen) does too. This organization loves you. Go to work.”

.@Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell had some words of encouragement for @GVOaant ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TaXW9dFaMx

— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2024

Richardson struggled and was benched by the Colts after Week 8, with Joe Flacco taking over. As mediocre as those numbers are, nobody doubts the physical talents of the second-year quarterback. O’Connell is right that Richardson still has plenty of believers, as the quarterback reportedly drew significant trade interest before the deadline.

Richardson had completed just 44.4 percent of his passes this season prior to his benching, with four touchdowns to seven interceptions.