Andrew Luck's advice to DePauw students: 'I'm only 25. I don't have any'

GREENCASTLE -- The introduction went on and on … and on. A rundown of all his accomplishments in high school, college, the NFL — on the field and off.

When that was over and his name was called, a beardless Andrew Luck – decked out in a brown suit and checkered tie – walked out on stage to a standing ovation and offered a quick quip.

"It sounded like a eulogy back there," said the Indianapolis Colts quarterback. The crowd roared.

Luck dazzled a crowd of 1,400 at DePauw University on Friday, there as part of the Timothy and Sharon Ubben Lecture Series. He spoke to students for a program called "Creating Your Personal Game Plan for Success."

But Luck made one thing crystal clear. He wasn't there to lecture these young people.

"As far as advice? I'm only 25," he said to the crowd, which quickly applauded. "I don't have any advice."

But he did have plenty to say in answer to questions from DePauw football coach Bill Lynch and students, who approached the microphone nervously, often addressing the football standout as Mr. Luck.

Parting ways with Reggie Wayne...

"It's not fun. There are guys you love. Professional sports is a business and people come and go. That's just it. Like Reggie Wayne this year, it stinks. It's the truth, but it happens. It's a business. Someday somebody is going to replace me."

Best defensive player in the NFL?

"Not on the Colts, right? J.J. Watt (defensive end for the Houston Texans)."

Funny stuff on the field...

"You'd be surprised at the interactions between (opposing) players in the NFL. There are some hilarious conversations out there sometimes. You'll be lined up and you hear conversations about their kids. 'How's your Aunt Margaret doing?' "

Getting hit by those big guys...

"It doesn't feel good. Part of football, I guess."

When a game gets tough...

"You look at T.Y. Hilton. That's a good football player. We are going to be alright. I look at coach Pagano. That's a head coach you want to play for. We are going to be alright. That's why we've been able to come back in games sometimes, because we keep the faith."

Following Peyton Manning as quarterback...

"If I woke up every morning saying I'm going to fill Peyton's shoes every day, I'd go crazy. You can't do that. I'm going to do the best I can. It was actually a lot easier than you think. Not once did I have an older player say, 'No, you've got to do it this way because Peyton did it this way.'"

Getting over nervousness his first day on the Colts…

"Dwight Freeney, the most fearsome pass rusher, came up to me and said 'Look, we're all behind you. You do it your way.' It was awesome to hear on my first day in the locker room. It put all my fears and doubts aside. He squashed all those. That made it a lot easier."

Being a good leader...

Luck said all the things you might expect. Stand up for what you believe. Don't be shy about speaking your opinion. But then?

"I get somewhat of a sick enjoyment out of getting to yell at people."

Follow Dana Benbow on Twitter: @DanaBenbow.