This week, Luck took part in his first career Organized Team Activities for the Indianapolis Colts. Luck wasn’t around for OTAs last season, as he had returned to Stanford to finish up his college degree. Being part of these OTAs is new territory for the second-year quarterback, as it gives him an early look at his team’s new offensive schemes, while showing him the additions made on defensive this offseason.

“It’s great to get out on the field with the defense and troubleshoot some stuff,” Luck said. Just to be on the field with the guys, going against something other than air.”

These OTAs are a new adventure for most of the Colts players and coaching staff. The Indianapolis offense not only has their quarterback in these practices for the first time, but they also have a new offense to learn. The coaches get their first full offseason to adapt and adjust with their quarterback and his weapons. Every little bit counts, and every mistake corrected in practice will help avoid a possible mistake down the road.

Considering the amazing success that the Indianapolis Colts have enjoyed over the last 15 years or so, it is sometimes hard to recall that this city has only had a pro football franchise for around three decades. Prior to the arrival (and eventual assention) of the Colts, Indianapolis was known worldwide for the Indy 500 race, which will have its 97th run this weekend.

Last Friday, some of the new faces of the Indianapolis football franchise got a chance to experience what their city has been known for. The 2013 Colts rookies to a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and soaked in some of the sights around the home of the biggest race in the world.

The Colts were welcomed by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, and then proceeded to enjoy the excitement of the “Fast Friday” time trials for the Indy 500. The rookies got a chance to kiss the bricks at the Speedway finish line, took a tour of the garages, and even got to take a lap around the track in a pace car.

Being introduced to their first professional football contract is a massive engagement in its own right, but being introduced to the magnatude of Indiana’s crowning jewel is nothing short of humbling. These young players got a chance to see some of the sports history of their new city, and there is honestly nothing like it.

As the temperature rises outside, the offseason efforts keep on rolling in the NFL. In the past month since the 2013 NFL Draft, the Colts have welcomed in their rookie class, and have gotten them on the field for a rookie minicamp. They have spent time getting their new blood acclimated to their new surroundings and system, and have also signed quite a few of them to their first pro contract.

Veteran players have been in and out of the weight and practice rooms throughout the offseason, and now things for the near future are beginning to take shape. Colts players, both new and veteran, are now getting ready for Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The competition will start amping up, as will the drills and the action on the field.

Players will not be in pads, but will be wearing their helmets and shorts. These OTAs will mark the first time that the offense and defense will be able to mix it up together. There will be ten OTA practices, putting over 70 players into the process of building the Indianapolis Colts for 2013.