Why Andrew Luck Should Refuse to Play for Colts If Peyton Manning Is Healthy

Let's face it, Andrew Luck is as ready to transition to the NFL as any quarterback since Peyton Manning. And for that reason, Luck should make it known to the Indianapolis Colts that he does not want to sit on the bench and watch if Manning is in fact healthy and back to starting next year.

If the Colts do end up with the top pick in the 2012 NFL draft—and there is almost no way they won't get it—Luck should make it known to Indianapolis that he is not interested in backing up Manning. He shouldn't act like Manning's younger brother and take his complaints public, because that would show a complete lack of class and Luck doesn't want to start his career off on a negative foot. But Luck should be honest with the Colts.

The Stanford quarterback is ready to play now and if the Colts take him with the No. 1 pick, he would likely have to sit behind Manning for at least two seasons. That would be a complete waste of his talent.

There are several teams around the league who would be willing to trade hefty sums for the right to select Luck, and if it takes the young quarterback to make the Colts realize that, then so be it.

If Manning returns to the team next season, there is no way he will go quietly. The guy's entire life is football and if his neck is fully healed, he should have at least two to three years of quality playing time left. Drafting a talent like Luck and forcing him to sit behind the four-time MVP for that long would almost be criminal.

Luck and his representatives will know that and as a result, I expect them to let the Colts know exactly how they feel. But given his personality, I do not believe such a request, or discussions of that type, will go public.