Peyton Manning: Colts Owner Crushes Andrew Luck Rumors by Backing Manning

Andrew Luck is not going to be a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

Clearly the Colts are the worst team in the NFL at 0-10, and they aren't going to magically rip off a six game winning streak to end the season. They are the odds on favorite to secure the No. 1 pick in the draft and a bounty of fans want Standford quarterback Andrew Luck.

Those rumors were put to bed by Colts owner Jim Irsay, who said he "expects" Manning to be ready to roll for the 2012 season. It's the strongest statement he's made on the issue since the major setback in August.

While you always want to believe what the owner is saying, it's hard to ignore that everything hinges on how quickly the nerves in Manning's neck can regenerate. It's something that's completely out of the control of the team.

With nine months to go before next season, it's highly unlikely they don't grow back by then. The 35-year-old obviously isn't getting any younger, but he is still playing at an elite level and it's crystal clear how bad this Colts team is without him.

Has there ever been an MVP awarded to a player that didn't take a single snap during the season? That's why he isn't going anywhere. He means far too much to the organization to get rid of him at this point.The Colts aren't ready to give up on the face of the franchise just yet and it's the right move.

Luck has never thrown a pass in the NFl. Who knows how he fares under pressure? Indy already knows what they're getting in Manning. He is the de-facto offensive coordinator, and can read you lines of the playbook in his sleep.

Nobody knows this team better than Manning.

With the hype revolving around Luck right now, the Colts can cash in huge by using the No. 1 overall pick as trade bait. If Carson Palmer can go for a first-round pick and a second that could turn into a first, then could the Colts get three for Luck?

Probably not, but they can certainly rebuild their team quickly with a ton of draft picks in April.

Manning isn't going anywhere.