Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck made his first public appearance in Indianapolis since announcing his retirement from the NFL in August of 2019. During the 12th annual Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala at the Colts facility, Luck revealed that he has never felt the desire to return to playing football.
Speaking to reporters, Luck reflected on his decision to retire, stating, “When I retired, that part of it was put to bed in my mind in a very simple, sort of direct way. There were a lot of complications around it, you know, certainly tormented inside, as you guys saw that night, but I think that part of it has stayed.”
Luck’s career was plagued by injuries, including torn cartilage in his ribs, a partially torn abdomen, a lacerated kidney, multiple concussions, and a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder that kept him out for the entire 2017 season. These physical and mental tolls, along with the emotional burden of being a franchise quarterback, ultimately led to his surprising retirement.
Despite his early exit from the NFL, Luck achieved great success during his time in the league. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, he threw for 23,631 yards, 171 touchdowns, and 83 interceptions, while amassing a 53-33 career record as a starter in Indianapolis.
Additionally, Luck’s achievements at the collegiate level were recognized when he was named as an inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame in January of 2022. Luck, who attended Stanford University, has left a lasting legacy in the football world, even though he has moved on from the game.
