Luck, Colts agree on pact
Rest easy, Colts fans. The Andrew Luck era can now officially begin.
The Colts have signed the Stanford quarterback who was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, brought in to help the proud franchise rebound after last year’s horrible skid. The injured Peyton Manning never played a down and now he’s gone, off to Denver for a fresh start with the Broncos.
“12 is officially signed!!!!!!” Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted Thursday, along with a photo of Luck signing his contract. Luck’s agent and uncle, Will Wilson, confirmed the deal had been completed.
Terms were not released, but Luck’s deal was expected to be similar to the one signed by Cam Newton a year ago and the one signed this week by Robert Griffin III. Irsay told reporters in April he expected Luck’s contract would be almost identical to the four-year, $22 million deal signed by Newton, last year’s top pick. Griffin signed a four-year contract with the Washington Redskins, a fully guaranteed deal worth $21.1 million.
Indy gets a rare opportunity to transition from one star quarterback to another.
Luck threw for 35 touchdowns last season — breaking his school record of 32 in 2010 — and eclipsed John Elway’s career record (77) at Stanford with 80 touchdown passes in only three seasons. He finished with 3,170 yards passing, a 70 percent completion percentage and only nine interceptions without the benefit of an elite wide receiver. He was the Heisman Trophy runner-up — twice.
Luck has a pretty good idea what to expect beyond wearing a No. 12 jersey for the Colts. He will be expected to help lead the team back from a 2-14 season that included an 0-13 start with Manning out.
