Quarterback Anthony Richardson has an estranged relationship with his father, Will, while he shares an unbreakable bond with his mother, LaShawnda.
Anthony Dashawn Richardson Sr. plays for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL) as a quarterback.
He amassed 1,633 running yards and 41 touchdowns throughout high school, alongside 4,633 throwing yards and 37 passing touchdowns.
Before being selected by the Colts fourth overall in the 2023 NFL draft, he played college football for the Florida Gators.
Anthony Richardson’s Mother, LaShawnda Cleare, Became a Mother at 16!
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson was born to parents LaShawnda Cleare and Will Richardson.
Anthony, born on May 22, 2002, was raised by a single mother. His father, Will, was absent throughout his upbringing.
Moreover, there is scarce information about the NFL player’s father. LaShawnda led a turbulent life.
She gave birth to Anthony at 16 and became his primary caretaker following her divorce from Will.
Richardson’s mother and uncle, Tanka, spotted his potential at an early age. Tanka was his father figure till his death, while Anthony was only in sixth grade.
Uncle Tanka exposed him to football since Anthony was a toddler. Anthony carried the Nerf football he gave him everywhere.
When Anthony was three, his mother narrowly dodged his strong throw. While playing with the Nerf ball with his mother outside his grandmother’s house, he threw it so powerfully that Cleare had to duck it.
The ball eventually struck the window. Mildred Newsome, Anthony’s grandma, came rushing outside, unable to believe Anthony threw it at such a high velocity.
However, Uncle Tanka had to confirm again to ensure it wasn’t a coincidence. He threw the ball to Richardson, and tiny Anthony passed it, smashing the window again.
Tanka became aware of his nephew’s potential as an elite athlete. To commemorate his uncle, Anthony has a tattoo of a crowned lion on his forearm.
Additionally, he wants to have his photo on the lining of his draft night jacket.
LaShwnda must have struggled tremendously being a single mother at such a young age. Nonetheless, she never gave up hope and continued to create a nurturing and secure atmosphere for her children.
“It was hard. I struggled. We didn’t have much. I had to work several jobs, a lot of hours without much sleep to pay for clothes, food, rent and bills. I hope people don’t judge me. I did the best I could. I wanted my kids to be better than me and have a much better life. I didn’t see it as a sacrifice.”
LaShawnda Cleare
Since the Miami neighborhood they previously lived in was violent, LaShawnda relocated to Gainesville, Florida, with her two sons, Anthony and his younger brother, Corey Carter.
Anthony Richardson’s Mother, LaShawnda Cleare, Remarried In 2021!
LaShawnda Cleare is an example of a mother’s selflessness and unconditional love.
Despite being a single mother, she never made Anthony and Corey feel the absence of their father.
Cleare has been a rock of support for the NFL player, dreaming with him and working long hours to make his ambitions come true.
Watching practice with Ant's mom. 🥹
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 13, 2024
Behind The Colts: https://t.co/kTEdSjFt10 pic.twitter.com/JLW07KfiM3
Furthermore, she donated her plasma to buy a $280 Letterman jacket for Anthony’s youth football dinner.
The quarterback always becomes emotional while discussing his mother’s unwavering support and sacrifices.
“Just seeing how hard she was grinding, I feel like it’s a disservice to her if I don’t put that same effort in anything.”
“My mom, she doesn’t want me to do anything for her. Because she said it was her job as a mother to take care of me the way she did, and I’m definitely thankful for her and I love her.”
Anthony Richardson
According to her LinkedIn profile, she also worked as a paraprofessional at Fort Clark Middle School.
Then, Cleare started working as a consultant at Refuse to Lose LLC in 2023.
While her Instagram profile is secret, her X account is public, and she frequently posts about her son’s NFL accomplishments.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/FS1YDwVfyS
— LaShawnda Cleare (@LaLa_Cleare) September 30, 2024
Furthermore, she remarried on June 19, 2021, to Ferrell Cleare. As for Richardson’s father, Will, he still resides in Miami.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Anthony Richardson underwent nasal septum surgery during his first training camp with the Indianapolis Colts to help him breathe better.
- Richardson debuted in the NFL against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 on September 10, 2023.
- He began the 2024 season as the starter, having recovered from shoulder surgery the previous year. An oblique injury forced him to miss weeks 5 and 6.
- His younger brother, Corey, is on his high school’s football team in Westfield, Indiana.
