INDIANAPOLIS – Andrew Luck is getting down to business in Hawaii.
He attends quarterback meetings in the morning, practices in the afternoon and tries to glean as much information as possible from some of football’s biggest stars. For the record-setting rookie, it’s just another football week.
“That’s Andrew being Andrew, I think that’s the only way he knows how to roll,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano said with a chuckle Thursday.
To Luck, the Pro Bowl is more than just fun in the sun.
Luck made the Pro Bowl when New England’s Tom Brady pulled out of the game Monday with an injury.
Now that he’s in Honolulu, Luck is working again with Peyton Manning, an old friend who gave him a chance to be both a student and a counselor at the Manning Passing Academy. Together, they are trying to take the lead in making sure the Pro Bowl is taken seriously.
“I guess some folks weren’t happy with the play last year, but I think guys will take it upon themselves to keep this game going for many years to come and play hard,” Luck said after listening to Manning’s speech. “I think it is part of our obligation to make sure we play hard and this game continues.”
Two of Luck’s Colts’ teammates, outside linebacker Robert Mathis and receiver Reggie Wayne, also are expected to play for the AFC on Sunday. Wayne brought along the Colts’ receiving corps for the trip, and Luck picked up the tab for third-string quarterback and Norwell graduate Chandler Harnish, the last pick in April’s draft. Backup Drew Stanton declined to go, Luck said, because he wanted to stay home with his newborn son.
“Obviously you’re going to have fun, you’re in Hawaii, that’s what it’s about,” Luck told Indianapolis reporters during a conference call Thursday. “But anytime you’re around so many great football players, it’s not an obligation, but close to it, to try to get better at football.”
Around the league
Baltimore safety Ed Reed said he isn’t planning on joining teammate Ray Lewis in retirement after the Super Bowl. “I’ll be playing next year,” Reed said Thursday. There was speculation that the 34-year-old Reed might retire after this season. …
New York Jets coach Rex Ryan officially announced the expected hirings of Marty Mornhinweg as his offensive coordinator and Dennis Thurman as the team’s defensive coordinator. …
Quarterbacks Case Keenum and Stephen McGee were among eight players Houston signed to reserve/future contracts. Defensive end Keith Browner, tight end Jake Byrne, receiver Jeff Maehl, linebackers Delano Johnson and Mike Mohamed and tackle Nick Mondek were also signed by Houston. …
New Orleans fired defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and special teams coordinator Ken Flajole.
