Andrew Luck is wondering how he got in the middle of the Peyton Manning war of words taking place. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay made some questionable comments regarding his former quarterback, leading to a firestorm of response. Naturally since Luck was deemed the heir to the Manning thrown, his name is getting tossed around in the mix of it all.
Irsay started it all off in an interview with USA Today defending his decision to move on from Manning, saying he wanted Super Bowls and not individual awards. Manning broke several NFL records while racking MVP titles during his tenure with the Colts. Having one of the best quarterbacks in the game simply was not enough for Irsay. He even went so far saying Manning recommended the team draft Luck after the quarterback's standout career at Stanford.
All of these comments come within days of Manning's return to Indianapolis where Irsay has vowed to honor the quarterback in a ceremony. Denver head coach John Fox called the owner's comments a "cheap shot." He was disappointed that Irsay went low enough to say something like that.
So while Manning is keeping his comments about the situation to himself, Luck is finding himself in the middle as comparisons between the two quarterbacks start flying in. Fans appear ready to debate the two athletes. Sure both of their fathers played in the NFL. They both finished runners-up for the Heisman Trophy. They were both selected No. 1 overall by the Colts. Luck believes the comparisons stop there.
"I never viewed it as replacing Peyton. I just viewed it as an opportunity to play quarterback in the NFL," Luck said, via ESPN.com. "It just so happens one of the greats of all time was here before me."
Luck has met and interacted with Manning in the past. He was a regular at the Manning Passing Academy while in college, allowing for a friendship to form. Manning has nothing but praise for his predecessor.
"He's a heck of a quarterback," Manning said. "He sure did have a great first season and certainly used that first season to his advantage, and he's off to a heck of a start this year."
Both Manning and Luck broke records of different kinds during their rookie seasons. However, it is Manning that is having the better season this year as the Denver Broncos are undefeated under Manning's guidance. Luck does not feel any pressure to constantly compete with Manning. He simply looks up to as a role model for the player he wants to be.
"He is a great role model for guys my age growing up, younger players, just how to play the position, how to handle yourself on and off the field," Luck said. "We always really enjoyed watching all the Mannings play. I definitely hold him in the highest respect."
