When the Indianapolis Colts touch down in London at the start of Week 4 next season their star quarterback will be feeling like he’s returning home.
Andrew Luck grew up in London. His dad, who also played quarterback, had moved his young family to the UK after nine years in Germany.
Oliver Luck was the general manager of Frankfurt Galaxy during the fledgling years of the World League of American Football in 1991. He held that position for two years and then became GM of Rhein Fire when the league resumed after suspending the 1993-94 season.
Oliver moved his family here in ’96 when he became president of NFL Europe. The seven year old Andrew attended The American School in London in St John’s Wood and became accustomed to the British way of life. He played soccer and he even attended a birthday party at Lord’s, the home of cricket.
He was here for four years with his brother and sisters. The young Luck was ten when he returned to the States. The family moved back to Houston where Oliver was named CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority.
A few years later his son was starting behind center at Stratford High. During his time there he threw for 7,139 yards and 53 touchdowns, and rushed for another 2,085 yards.
Jim Harbaugh signed him for Stanford where he broke Pac-12 records and came runner-up for the Heisman Trophy in his senior year. And we know what happened after that.
So when Luck takes to the field at Wembley on October 2, 2016 he’ll be just a deep ball away from the place he used to call home.
Despite a roller coaster season that has been plagued by injury, UK fans should feel grateful to be able to see a real superstar up close.
The Colts vs Jags has all the possibilities of being a shoot-out between the two top teams in their division and the man in white wearing the blue number 12 will be one we can embrace as our own.
5th Down UK 