New Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck signed autographs for hundreds of fans Wednesday, including quite a few for people wearing No. 18 Peyton Manning jerseys.
The scene told the story of a franchise in transition: Manning remains close to the hearts of the fans -- including the estimated 7,500 in attendance at Lucas Oil Stadium -- but Luck represents a new beginning.
Luck completed 26 of 37 passes against the Colts' defense, getting a rise out of what the team hopes to be future season-ticket holders when he connected on a touchdown pass with wide receiver Austin Collie.
Veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne, who entered minicamp with some odd reservations about Luck's ability to throw a regulation NFL football, came away impressed.
"We've still got work to do, but I like him," Wayne said, via The Associated Press. "He's got a great ball, nice spin on it, and whenever your quarterback is having fun, you've got to have fun, too."
New Colts coach Chuck Pagano sounds like a happy man, having his No. 1 draft pick in-house.
"I thought Andrew did a heck of a job, both quarterbacks, really," he said, likely referring to Drew Stanton. "I know there were a couple of balls they'd like back, but that's always the case. We've got two weeks left in their seven-week program and there's a ton of things to work on."
The Colts undoubtedly are relieved to finally have Luck in the fold. There's plenty of work to do, but Indy already seems light years removed from the gloom and doom that marked last season.
