NFL Notes: Luck era in Indy officially begins

The Andrew Luck era has officially begun in Indianapolis.

The Colts inked the former Stanford quarterback and No.1 overall pick to a four-year, $22.1 million contract on Thursday (see story).

"12 is officially signed!!!!!!" Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted.

Luck’s deal is nearly identical to the one last year’s first overall pick, Cam Newton, received after being drafted. A year ago, Newton signed a four-year, $22 million contract with the Panthers.

Luck enters the 2012 season coming off a phenomenal collegiate career at Stanford. The quarterback threw for a school record 35 touchdowns last season.

He is expected to bring that same success to the gridiron for his rookie season with the Colts, who finished with a 2-14 record in 2011-12.

Quinn charged with drunk driving
Add Robert Quinn to the list of NFL players in legal distress.

The Rams’ defensive end was charged with drunken driving in St. Louis, police said Thursday (see story).

According to Florissant police Capt. Tim Lowery, Quinn was part of a one-car accident at 5:38 a.m. on July 10. The responding officer suspected Quinn was inebriated and arrested him.

"He cooperated fully," Lowery said.

Quinn was released later that day after posting bond. He is also charged with failure to exercise a high degree of care, and with having no insurance.

A preliminary hearing for his case will take place on Oct. 11.

Chargers release Castillo
Defensive end Luis Castillo has been released by the Chargers (see story).

The seven-year veteran was a key cog for the Chargers defense, starting 79 of the 82 games he played.

A 2005 first-round pick, Castillo has 276 tackles and 19 sacks in his career. He missed almost all of the 2011 season after breaking his left leg in Week 1.