Irsay: Manning Told Me to Take Luck

If Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos lose to Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts, Papa John's most celebrated franchise holder has no one but himself to blame.

Manning told Colts owner Jim Irsay to take quarterback Andrew Luck.

“He said, ‘You’ve got to take Andrew,’” Irsay said. “‘You have to. You’re crazy if you don’t.’”

Irsay of course did and the rest is history. Luck took the Colts back to the playoffs last year, and until last night against the San Diego Chargers, was maybe the second- or third-best team in the AFC.

Irsay said he's pleased the way things have turned out, not only for his organization but for his former quarterback as well.

“I think it’s perfect,” Irsay said. “What happened is what Peyton and I hoped would happen. The desire was for him to get well and get to a team that has a chance to win another Super Bowl before his career ended. And our desire was to be able to transition to Andrew. To be so good so soon is stunning.”

Irsay says that now, but let's see how he feels after the game on Sunday, especially if Manning and the Broncos beat the eyes out of the Colts.

Bet you all those "good feelings" won't last long. It might be enough to make Irsay take a bite out of something. And even then, he can take Manning's advice.