Andrew Luck Comments on Staying Healthy, Adjusting Playing Style

The Indianapolis Colts missed the playoffs last year due in large part to the absence of quarterback Andrew Luck.

It was the first time Indianapolis missed the postseason since drafting Luck with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012, and the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback understands how important it is to remain healthy if the Colts are to be a Super Bowl contender this year.

“I have an obligation to keep myself healthy,” Luck said, via the Colts' official website (h/t Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk). “Not only to myself, but to this team. That dictates change in preparation and how you do things a little bit. I have to. For example, if a play breaks down in practice, making a full-speed decision to throw it away. Just to train that aspect of it.”

Before 2015, Luck had not missed a game in his young NFL career. He led the Colts to three consecutive 11-5 seasons, two division titles and one appearance in the AFC Championship Game.

Season No. 4 was Luck's most challenging to date.

The 26-year-old played only seven games, went 2-5 in that stretch and threw 15 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. Luck was also sacked 15 times and missed the rest of the year because of a lacerated kidney and an abdominal injury. The Colts said the injuries would keep him out only two to six weeks, but Luck said as recently as mid-April that he's still not at 100 percent, per John Breech of CBSSports.com.

Season	Games	Touchdowns	Interceptions	Yards	Comp. %	Times Sacked
2012	16	23	18	4,374	54.1	41
2013	16	23	9	3,822	60.2	32
2014	16	40	16	4,761	61.7	27
2015	7	15	12	1,881	55.3	15

Luck is taking the leadership role with his comments, which is the right thing to do, but it's not like injuries have been an issue for him. Taking the initiative to change minor things to keep himself healthy isn't a necessity, but it's a good sign from Luck to put his teammates and the organization first.

It is clear, however, the Colts need Luck healthy if they want to make a run at another Vince Lombardi Trophy; otherwise it could be another 8-8 season (or worse) in Indianapolis.