New Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck, the first pick of Thursday’s NFL draft, finds himself with a challenging task – filling Peyton Manning’s shoes.
Three decades ago, Luck’s father also faced a difficult responsibility. It was his job to drive Peyton for fast food.
Oliver Luck was a QB for the Houston Oilers in the 1980s, backing up Peyton’s dad, Archie.
“Archie was a seasoned vet, you know, a great guy,” Andrew Luck told David Letterman Thursday. “And I guess Peyton and Cooper, his older brother, would come into town to Houston, and it was my dad’s job to drive them to McDonald’s in his Mazda … as the rookie backup quarterback.”
The Colts released Manning in March in order to pursue Luck, and the legend later joined the Denver Broncos.
Luck called Manning his “football idol” growing up, and told Letterman that Manning is one-of-a-kind.
“He’s the best,” Luck said.
But Luck also said he’s ready for the challenge of the NFL … when he’s done with school, anyway. The 22-year-old is flying to Indianapolis Friday, then back to Stanford University in California.
“I got school to finish up,” Luck said.
During Thursday’s “Late Show” segment, Letterman jogged into the crowd to catch a pass from Luck.
“Ow!” he said as he caught the ball. “That hurt! I’m injured.”
The host also handed Luck a card with his mother’s address – y’know, if he ever needs some home cooking.