Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning go way back.
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When Peyton Manning was a kid, Andrew Luck’s dad would take him toMcDonald’s.
Everyone knows the story line with Peyton and Andrew— former Colts quarterback Sunday facing the guy who replaced him — but do you know the other Manning-Luck connection? When patriarch Archie Manning was finishing his career with the Houston Oilers, in 1982 and 1983, he was teammates with young quarterback Oliver Luck. And some of Oliver Luck’s rookie responsibilities would be footing the bill for lunch for little Peyton and his brother, Cooper.
“It’s cool because we go back 30 years. It’s special,” Oliver Luck said by phone. “Having said that, it’s just one more game. It’s a special game. It’s a neat game, but it’s ultimately just one more game for our respective sons.”
It’s crazy that these two teammates would both have sons who would become No. 1 overall draft picks, both by Indianapolis, with the Luck son’s presence leading to the Colts’ divorce with Manning’s son. And throw in the fact both guys are top quarterbacks in the NFL on a collision course for a possible playoff meeting.
Oliver Luck played QB atWest Virginia, where he’s now the athletic director, and was drafted in the second round (44th overall) by the Oilers, making him the third QB drafted that year, behind the infamous Art Schlichter and Bears star JimMcMahon.
“Archie and Iwere teammates in 1982 and 1983. Wewere friends. We stayed in touch over the years,” Luck said. “I always admiredwhat his boyswere doing playing football, and hewatched what Andrewwas doing and made sure Andrewcould get to the Manning Passing Academy. Good people. Archie played for a peren- nial loser, but I think Archiewas able to transcend thatwith his play. I remember as a kidwatching him play in college, so getting to be on the same rosterwas very special. I certainly admired him.
“It’s always interesting to talk to dads who have kids playing. It’s always cool to hear their experiences— Archie has had double the fun.”
Talking with Luck, I sense a genuine respect for the Manning family. First linked as teammates, he and Archie are now forever linked as fathers. And Peyton, of course, helped mentor Andrew.
“Andrewgot a chance to go to the Manning Passing Academy, and maybe twice as a college kid,” Luck said. “While in high school, you don’t just get to see the college and pro guys, but you get to test yourself against kids from around the country, to seewhere you stack up. As a counselor, you get to spend time with Peyton and Eli, and you get to ask questions and get straight answers and begin to understandwhat sort of an attitude and approach you need as a professional.”