It must make NFL defenders irate to know that Andrew Luck actually has an appreciation for all the physicality heeped his way every Sunday on the field.
Defenders really seem perplexed by Luck complimenting them after a big hit or trash talking to them with kindness.
Luck has become known to dole out “nice play, buddy” and “good hit” kudos almost as often as he finds wide receivers open down the field.
“In all the years I’ve played football I have never heard anything like it,” Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan told the Wall Street Journal. “Nothing even close.”
Some of the Colts most recent opponents say Luck’s gentle giant attitude has started to psyche them out.
“I’m like ‘what’s going on? Aren’t you supposed to be mad?’ ” Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Nolan Carroll told the newspaper. “So then I’m the one who gets ticked off because an upbeat attitude isn’t something you see.”
Those who know Luck say his unfailing affability isn’t an act.
“His idea of trash talk is complimenting people,” said Redskins linebacker Trent Murphy, who was also Luck’s college teammate at Stanford.