Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson wasn’t sure what to expect when he pulled up to the intercontinental hotel in Los Angeles last month.
The Florida product, who was selected with the No. 4 overall pick in April, sat down in a chair on a makeshift set and saw future Hall of Famer Tom Brady address him directly on a large projector screen — a moment he told The Post was different than anything else he’s ever experienced.
Richardson, eager and on the edge of his seat, watched as Brady hit him with a heartfelt compliment about his character and prowess on the field.
“A lot of great friends tell me you’re a better person than you are a quarterback, which says a lot because I’ve seen some of those throws you make,” Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl winner, told the 21-year-old.
Unbeknownst to him, Richardson — along with several top NFL rookies including CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis, Jalen Carter, Will Anderson and Stetson Bennett — was part of a documentary short by digital sports platform Fanatics for the debut of “The Locker Room.”
“Honestly, it’s different,” Richardson said of watching his idol, Brady, acknowledge his hard work. “It always feels good when you get compliments from people, just telling you… how well you’re doing and they’re excited to see about you and your future.
“But when it comes from Tom Brady is just a little bit different, because you don’t really get that every day. So it’s a different experience.”
Richardson, a Florida native, came from humble beginnings and it shaped him into the person he is today.
Brady’s comment about his character was significant because Richardson’s selfless personality was a highlight of his recruitment — and his new Colts teammates have expressed how mature he is both on and off the field.
“I guess it’s just how I try to live my life,” Richardson said. “I wasn’t one of [those people] that had everything growing up. So I know what it’s like to not have things and have people who are there for you.
“Whenever I do have the opportunity to be there for people or get something, I’m willing to share… share love, share happiness, share a chicken sandwich or something — just share energy with people because you never know what somebody needs. All you need is a smile on their face. I just try to be a good person for people.”
Yes, a chicken sandwich.
Richardson added that although he was a Popeyes chicken sandwich guy, he’s on the hunt for a new spot to indulge.
It was Richardson’s mother, LaShawnda Cleare, who taught him about sacrifice after she did everything she could to give him and his younger brother, Corey every opportunity to succeed in life.
That’s why it was crucial that Cleare and Corey were by Richardson’s side when NFL commissioner Roger Goodell called his name at the 2023 NFL Draft in Kansas City.
Corey also surprised Richardson with a letter telling him how proud he was of his big brother.
“It was definitely a once in a life time type of experience, especially because my family was there,” Richardson said. “I’ve always dreamt about that moment, but for them to be there experiencing it with me, is probably one of the only things I can really ask for — just them being able to experience it.
“It wasn’t only my day. I feel like they deserved to be there. But just actually going through that moment and just seeing my brother and how proud he was of me… I haven’t really seen that side of him before… then the letter.
“I talk to my brother all the time and I’m always the one spilling into him, giving him information and telling him things. And when he told me that stuff, it got to me and let me know I’m doing something right for him.”
Richardson is looking forward to his first NFL game.
“It’s honestly everything that I imagined and dream of, putting in the work, being out there with the vets and just having fun and playing football,” he said of his time with the Colts so far.
“Being in the NFL still doesn’t even seem real when I actually say it — I’m in the NFL now. I’m looking forward to the first game and excited to see what’s to come.”
His message from Brady was the icing on the cake.
The NFL rookies were surprised by their football idols that have inspired them throughout their careers and as they embark on their first NFL season.
The special moment took place after the rookies traveled — some with their significant others — for the 2023 NFLPA Rookie Premiere, a business and marketing event, and an after party hosted by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin in Beverly Hills.
The video features NFL legends such as Joe Montana, Aaron Rodgers, Calvin Johnson Jr., Jerry Rice, Peyton Manning, Eric Dickerson, LaDainian Tomlinson, Rob Gronkowski, Davante Adams, George Kittle, Ray Lewis and Barry Sanders, among others.
The rookies’ authentic, emotional and heartwarming responses were turned into “The Locker Room,” with additional player-specific videos to be released around the start of the season.
Brady also told Levis that waiting on draft day will make everything else after that moment that much sweeter after the Kentucky product fell out of the first round, getting picked by the Titans in the second round.
Meanwhile, Rodgers asked Packers rookie quarterback Sean Clifford how his locker is in Green Bay.
Former Giants star Odell Beckham, Jr. told new Giants wideout Jalin Hyatt not to break all of his records during his rookie year.
