Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is a major superstar in the NFL. The Stanford alum was the number one 2012 draft choice and replaced his hero Peyton Manning.
Many skeptics thought Luck would fumble, but he’s gone on to lead the Colts into two playoff appearances. Now, that’s the way to tackle the naysayers!
Healthy Hollywood got a chance to chat with the all-star athlete, and found out he’s spending part of his offseason inspiring kids to get active and eat right. Luck has teamed up with Quaker Oats and Fuel Up To Play 60, which is the nation’s largest in-school wellness program.
“To me eating right and staying active are important to being a professional athlete. Plus, they’re incredibly important for the youth of today,” reveals Andrew to Healthy Hollywood.
As part of the initiative, teachers and parents nationwide were encouraged to participate in the Make Your Move Video contest, which showcased how their students get active and then become eligible a grant to help fund their schools wellness programs. Hundreds of schools around the country submitted videos and Andrew hosted a surprise celebratory event for one of lucky schools in San Diego, which made a hip hop dance video.
“I have been inspired by the students’ creativity and passion for making changes to lead healthy and active lifestyles. I’m honored to help present the grant to Mission Middle School and check out their moves – maybe I’ll even learn something for my next touchdown dance,” adds Luck.
The 24-year-old football phenom reveals as the son of a professional football player, athletics were a huge part of his childhood. “Anytime my dad would come home from work, 99.9% of the time he would spare 15 minutes to go teach me how to play a football in the front yard or organize the kids in the neighborhood for a game of basketball. So, I caught the bug to be outdoors and active early.”
His love of the great outdoors has carried on to adulthood, adding, “I get very antsy if I’m inside all day and can’t go out and get a sweat on. I still go outside and shoot hoops or kick a soccer ball with my little my brother when I can. I found sports helped me in a lot growing up, especially in school. If I could get my physical activity in at some point in the day, I did a lot better job of studying or getting things done. It calmed me down and helped me focus.”
While the unmarried Luck reveals becoming a parent is the last thing on his mind, he enjoys being around kids. “I love being around enthusiastic and energetic people and kids have a lot of energy. Plus, one of the more rewarding things about being a quarterback is hopefully brining a smile to kids’ face during the day. Or, maybe I can have a positive impact on their life. It’s very rewarding to me.”
— Terri MacLeod
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