Andrew Luck: Lawsuit Against Top Prospect Exemplifies Dangers of Being Big Name

Andrew Luck hasn't even reached the NFL yet, and he's already getting sued.

That's right, Leaf Trading Cards has reportedly sued the consensus No. 1 overall pick leading up to the 2012 NFL draft.

It all stemmed from Luck's people telling the card company that it didn't have the legal right to profit from Luck's image, sending a cease-and-desist letter. Leaf countered by suing Luck.

Lawyer O. Luke Davis III said in a press release, via Pro Football Talk:

"

“Leaf Trading Cards is disappointed that it was forced to submit this matter to the judicial system. We are confident, however, that the court will find that Leaf has the right to produce and sell the Andrew Luck trading cards.”

"

Welcome to the NFL draft process, Andrew, where crazy things start happening. What made this particularly odd was that Leaf could have just kept producing the cards and then gone to court and defended itself if Luck sued. Instead, the card company went after Luck. 

Whether Leaf is right or not, Luck is getting a glimpse of what his future will hold once he hits the bright lights. His name will constantly be a target, as any top prospect or star in the NFL is. He's no longer cushioned in the Cardinal's warm embraces—his name is out there in the open and he's bound to see his fair share of surprises.

Was Leaf suing Luck a publicity ploy? We can't be sure, but it certainly gets Leaf Trading Cards out in the open for the world to see.

As for Luck, he has enough to worry about leading up to the draft and his professional playing career than a few trading cards. One thing you must learn, Andrew: You take the good with the bad when you are a professional athlete.

Follow me on Twitter. We can talk about the NFL together.