The Indianapolis Colts recently welcomed back Howard Mudd to their coaching staff, and it seems quarterback Andrew Luck's similarities to quarterback Peyton Manning had something to do with it.

Mudd had been with the Colts for over a decade as an offensive line coach.

According to Mike Chappell of Fox59, he acknowledged that Luck's uncanny resemblance to Manning helped spur him to make a return:

‘I've always known he's a phemon. I just felt like he was the real deal. It reminded me of the past.'
That was a reference to Peyton Manning.

‘If Peyton was standing here, I'd say (Luck is) a better athlete.' And Peyton's not going to disagree.'

There is certainly plenty of truth to Mudd's comments.

Luck had been perhaps the most-hyped quarterback coming out of college since Manning himself declared for the draft. He has quickly proven why he was worthy of such a distinction.

Mudd arrived in Indianapolis the same year that Manning did. He got to see firsthand the trials and tribulations he went through to become one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. it is clear that he sees the same kind of traits in Luck.

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There was plenty of speculation regarding his status going into the 2018 NFL season after he was finally set to return from a lingering shoulder injury.

He was able to silence the critics with the best year of his career. The Colts showed plenty of promise with their unexpected playoff run.

Mudd will now look to help them meet their high expectations moving forward as he did all those years ago with Manning.