Indianapolis Colts have drafted Stanford star quarterback Andrew Luck with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, officially moving away from the Peyton Manning era.
The Colts are confident Luck – a two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up – can carry the torch that burned brightly for over a decade under Manning, who Indianapolis released in March after 14 seasons.
“I can’t wait to start at the Colts,” Luck said.
“I am so honored and so grateful to represent this city now and to be part of the team.”
Luck is viewed as the most reliable quarterback option to come out of college since his Colts predecessor entered the league in 1998.
In three seasons as a starter at Stanford, Luck threw for 9,430 yards and 82 touchdowns, while completing 67 percent of his passes, including completion percentages over 70 in each of the last two seasons.
The 22-year-old is the first Stanford player to be picked first in the draft since legendary quarterback John Elway in 1983.
It is the 10th time in the past 12 years, and the fourth year in a row, that a quarterback was the first player selected in the draft.
by Buford Balony
