Michael Pittman: ‘I’m Chasing Respect’ In 2024
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman aims to break into the top tier of wideouts by scoring more touchdowns.
One player who can help him do that is quarterback Anthony Richardson, who ought to be fit next season.
Michael Pittman signed the first lucrative contract extension of his career this summer, and feels it’s time to establish himself.
In each of the last three seasons, Michael Pittman has led Indy in yards, receptions and touchdowns.
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“I’m chasing respect,” Pittman said.
“The whole thing that comes with being an older guy, it’s like I’m known now, but I need to get to that next level and reach that next tier. I think that starts with probably more touchdowns, too. In my career, I haven’t been a big touchdown guy. That’s something that I’m really gonna focus on. So that’s my first step, and then once we get that going, we’ll start looking in other directions.”
Pittman is on the up after a 2023 which saw career highs in catches (109) and receiving yards (1,152). He does lead the Colts in touchdowns, but that doesn’t say a lot. In fact, he’s only caught four touchdowns each in the previous two seasons.
Pittman is excited to play with Anthony Richardson who, beyond being fit again, seems more comfortable in his role.
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“He’s just more comfortable,” Pittman said.
“Obviously, he’s been around more. He knows everybody. He’s kind of naturally, like, I don’t want to say reserved, but he’s not a guy that wants to get up in front and yell around, so that’s just his personality. He leads by example, but now he knows everybody, so he feels he can speak more confidently, and like I’ve also been kind of forcing him into those roles.”
