INDIANAPOLIS — Andrew Luck has been preparing all week for Saturday’s A.F.C. divisional playoff game at New England against the Patriots. There have been game plans to dissect, film to study and practices to participate in to prepare for the wrinkles of a Bill Belichick defense. Then there was the football that had nothing to do with Tom Brady, Luck’s Indianapolis Colts or the game at all.

On Tuesday, Luck took a break to watch a semifinal leg of England’s League Cup between Sunderland and Manchester United. Neither is vying for a trip to the Super Bowl.

“Had to see Jozy,” Luck said, referring to the American player Jozy Altidore, a Sunderland striker. “Got to support the Yanks abroad.”

Luck, the first overall pick in the 2012 draft, has been called the future of the quarterback position because of his strong arm, quick legs and smarts. He also has a passion for soccer, a rarity in most N.F.L. locker rooms.