(Image source: Jimrome.com)
BY MARC STEIDLER
You’re watching multisource global video news analysis from Newsy
It’s been six months since quarterback Andrew Luck left millions on the table to return for another year at Stanford. Now --six months before the 2012 NFL Draft -- rumors swirl around whether the projected number one pick could essentially “choose” who he plays for.
NFL.com’s Albert Breer joined Pro Football Talk Live to explain.
“They’re going to be holding more cards than any player ever has going into an NFL Draft, in trying to force a trade. There would be obvious trades. Not only because of this kid’s talent - I had one executive tell me he’s the best quarterback prospect since John Elway - not only because of his talent, but because of the salaries coming down.”
Guaranteed contracts for rookies have taken a steep cut since the new collective bargaining agreement went into effect. Still, a writer for San Jose Mercury News thinks Luck isn’t the type to pull a stunt like this.
“What makes Luck different is that, while he realizes how valuable he is and what lies in front of him, he is the last guy who’d want to enter the NFL–or any situation–as a figure of controversy.”
NFL.com’s Albert Breer also reports Luck’s dad Oliver is heavily involved in his son’s decision-making -- which leads executives to believe this could be an Eli Manning situation all over again. Manning’s dad Archie helped force a trade from San Diego to New York during the 2004 draft.
But hosts on ESPN's SportsCenter don’t seem bothered by Oliver Luck’s involvement.
Herm Edwards: “He stayed for what? To graduate from Stanford. To love the college atmosphere. He wants to maybe win the Heisman trophy. He wants to maybe win a championship for the Stanford Cardinal. You like a guy like this.”
Hannah Storm: “Right. Well you look at his stock, look at his dad, Oliver. Very, very smart guy.”
Herm: “He’s a good football player.”
Being a good football player is virtually all Luck has done lately, which is why one commenter on the Pro Football Talk website wonders whether Luck deserves the scrutiny.
“Pretty much all the superlative hype I’ve seen has come from the media. Perhaps I’m missing something?”
Transcript by Newsy.