The guy who used to be the quarterback of the Colts has implored Pro Bowl players to play hard this year. The guy who currently is the quarterback of the Colts agrees.
“I guess some folks weren’t happy with the play last year, but I think guys will take it upon themselves to keep this game going for many years to come and play hard,” Luck told reporters on a Thursday conference call. “I think it is part of our obligation to make sure we play hard and this game continues.”
We admire his attitude. But here’s the thing. The game will continue, even if the players don’t play hard. The game will continue because we watch the game. Why do we watch the game? Because it’s football, and it’s on TV.
We’ll watch more than usual this year, curious to see whether the game is any better than it has been in the past.
And thus, even if the game isn’t very good, the ratings will keep the game going.
Since the players apparently plan to play hard, the game will be better. We just hope no otherwise healthy player ends up with an injury that he’ll spend the bulk of his offseason rehabilitating. Or, even worse, tan injury hat will impact his contractual status, especially if he’s due to become a free agent.