Colts sign star quarterback Andrew Luck to six-year deal

The Indianapolis Colts today signed quarterback Andrew Luck to a six-year contract (effective in 2016).  Other outlets have reported that the deal is worth $140 million, including nearly $80 million in guaranteed money.

“I am thrilled and excited to continue with this great organization,” said Luck. “I am thankful to the Irsay family and Mr. Irsay for providing me with this great opportunity and the trust that they’ve shown in me. I can’t wait for this season to start.”

The Colts were wise to lock up this uniquely talented young star who not only can beat teams with his arm, but also with his legs as well.

Luck, 6-4, 240 pounds, was selected by the Colts in the first round (first overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has started all 55 games he has played in and completed 1,224-of-2,106 passes for 14,838 yards with 101 touchdowns and 55 interceptions for an 85.0 passer rating.

Luck also has 222 rushes for 1,101 yards and 12 touchdowns. His 12 rushing touchdowns since 2012 are tied for the third-most among NFL quarterbacks and rank second among AFC quarterbacks during that time span.

Luck has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in NFL history in a player’s first four seasons. His attempts (2,106), passing yards (14,838) and passing touchdowns (101) each rank as the fifth-most in NFL history and the second-most in franchise history in a player’s first four years. He was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2012-14. In his first three seasons, Luck led the Colts to three consecutive 11-5 seasons and 33 victories, which tied for the second-most wins to start a career since 1970.

“This is an exciting day for the organization and Colts fans around the globe,” said Colts Owner Jim Irsay. “Andrew is the consummate professional, possesses extraordinary talent and is our leader on and off the field. When you consider what this team has accomplished in four seasons with Andrew under center, you cannot help but be thrilled about the future.”

In 2015, Luck had an off year.  He started seven games and completed 162-of-293 passes for 1,881 yards with 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for a 74.9 passer rating. He also carried the ball 33 times for 196 yards. After starting all 16 games in each of his first three seasons, Luck missed nine games in 2015 due to injury.

Luck had a career-year in 2014 as he started all 16 games and set single-season career highs in completions (380), passing yards (4,761), passing touchdowns (40) and passer rating (96.5).  Luck also set a franchise record with eight consecutive 300-yard passing games from Weeks 3 through 11 as he was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl. His 12,957 passing yards from 2012-14 was the highest total through the first three seasons of a quarterback’s career in NFL history, while his 86 touchdowns rank second during that span.  Luck helped lead the Colts to an appearance in the AFC Championship Game for the first time since 2009.

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com