Irsay talks Luck, Manning in 1-on-1 interview

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sat down with WISH-TV’s Anthony Calhoun ahead of Super Bowl 50.

AC asked Irsay about the Colts future, his quarterback Andrew Luck and his former QB Peyton Manning.

Irsay drafted Manning to the Colts 18 years ago.

“I told Peyton right after the game everyone here is so excited, and it’s so deserving because I don’t think anyone is more respected by everyone in the game, meaning you guys in the media to the players on the field he’s playing against,” Irsay said of Manning. “It’s just so deserving, it really is.”

Manning spent 14 seasons with the Colts, leading the team to two Super Bowls, winning the big game in 2006.

He left for Denver after being released by Irsay and the Colts in 2011. Sunday will be the third time Manning has taken the Broncos to the Super Bowl.

There have been reports that this could be Manning’s last NFL season.

“I would love to have him retire as a Colt,” Irsay said.

The Colts owner also spoke about his current quarterback, Andrew Luck.

The 2016 season will be the final year of Luck’s rookie contract. Irsay said Luck’s health is great and the injury to his kidney has healed.

Irsay said he hasn’t had any major negotiations with Luck and his representatives about a long-term deal, but he expects to get something done in the next 18 months.

Irsay said he is prepared to make Luck the highest paid player in the league.

“I think really the question again remains is how can you build that roster around him, and I think that you have seen quarterbacks, franchise quarterbacks, through the years be unselfish and make sure they realize, ‘Hey, if I eat up X amount of this cap, how are we going to put together a championship football team?’ So the money is going to get paid out alright, it’s just a matter of who it goes to. So, it’s going to be a big number, it’s going to be a shocking number and all those things.”