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Andrew Luck, Jim Irsay Named in the NFL’s 100 Most Important People

By Luke Schultheis

Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to USA Today Sports, Indianapolis Colts star quarterback Andrew Luck and team owner Jim Irsay are among the NFL’s 100 Most Important People.

While Luck isn’t the most important quarterback–as Cam Newton and Tom Brady are ahead of him at #3 and #10 respectively, he’s still one of the “biggest game changers” at unquestionably the most important position in the NFL.

Listed at #14, Luck’s importance lies in the fact that not only is he one of the game’s top young quarterbacks, but he’s also due for a mega-contract extension which will assuredly make him the highest paid player in NFL history:

"14. Andrew LuckIndianapolis Colts quarterback. As if the pressure of being a franchise quarterback (and successor to Peyton Manning) coming off an injury-marred season isn’t enough, the eyes of the league are upon Luck as he negotiates a new contract. His package is expected to set the bar for quarterback deals, perhaps eclipsing $25 million in annual compensation."

There’s no question that Luck struggled last season battling early season ineffectiveness and injuries, as he missed the team’s final 7 regular season games due to a lacerated kidney.

Jun 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) communicates with his team during mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) communicates with his team during mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

During his disappointing year, Luck threw for just 15 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, as well as a career low passer rating of 74.9.

However, the former 2012 #1 overall pick remains one of the top young quarterbacks in football with his arm, athleticism, and overall football intelligence.

Even after how awful last season unfolded for the Colts, it’s easy to forget that Luck is just one year removed from throwing for a league-leading 40 touchdown passes and carrying the Colts to the AFC Championship game.

As for Irsay, the Colts team owner was given a glorified spot on the list namely because he’ll be the one presumably cutting Luck a very, very large check and sealing the deal:

"95. Jim IrsayColts owner. He will have the final say on the looming Luck contract."

Both sides remain optimistic that a new mega-deal will be reached before training camp and that the Colts franchise player will remain in horseshoe blue for years to come–while making NFL contract history in the process.

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