ANDREW LUCK SAID injuries took his enjoyment of NFL away after the Indianapolis Colts quarterback announced his shock retirement.
Colts star Luck confirmed his decision to quit the sport on Saturday following reports of the 29-year-old’s imminent announcement emerged on social media.
Luck – a four-time Pro Bowl player – was set to make his retirement official on Sunday, however the former number one pick fronted the media after the Colts’ 27-17 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears.
Following a career ravaged by injuries, Luck – who was dealing with a lower leg/ankle/bone problem throughout the offseason that limited him to just three practice sessions heading into the campaign – told reporters: “I’m going to retire, this is not an easy decision. This is the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me.”
Luck – who never won a Super Bowl – was the number one pick in the 2012 NFL draft out of Stanford.
He was named the Pro Football Writers Association’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2018 after throwing for 4,593 yards with 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. That came one year after he missed the season with a shoulder injury.
The Colts were hoping he would be back for the third preseason game so they could name him the starter, but they were ready to go with backup Jacoby Brissett, who the team acquired from the New England Patriots in 2017 to play in Luck’s absence.
“[The injuries have] taken my joy of this game away. I’ve been stuck in this process. I haven’t been able to live the life I want to live. After 2016, I played in pain and was unable to practice, I said I wouldn’t go through that again.
It’s sad but I also have a lot of clarity in this. Difficult process. My wife, family, friends, Chris Ballard, Mr. Irsay, Frank Reich have been incredibly supportive. Thankful for them.”
Luck threw for 23,671 yards with 171 touchdowns and 83 interceptions in his career. He made the playoffs four times with his longest run going to the 2014 AFC Championship game.
He added: “It was an honour to represent the city of Indianapolis on and off the field. So grateful to have been drafted here. Can’t fathom another owner who loves his team as much as Irsay does… This has been an incredible place to make a home and grow. This city will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Luck was sensationally booed by Colts fans as he left the field at Lucas Oil Stadium before speaking to reporters.
On the booing, Luck said: “It hurt… it hurt.”
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Colts neglecting their offensive line for years and allowing Luck to take big hit consistently through the younger part of his career has come back to haunt them. They addressed the issue last off-season, kept him clean in the pocket and he had a career year. Unfortunately his body had taken too much punishment at that stage. Big loss for the Colts and the NFL.
Unlucky, seemed like a real nice guy. Some funny videos in youtube.
The terrible O Line caught up with him in the end. Shame as he had to skills to be a Hall of Famer.
Great qb, could have been even greater only for injuries. Took Colts to 2 postseasons?
@John Paul: 4 postseasons in 6 years
He injured himself skiing and the Colts had to deal with it, if I was them I’d be pretty annoyed as the season is now a potential write off
Had the talent to go to the very top, but the NFL is no place to be if your heart is not in it. Agree the Colts have caused the problem with terrible offensive lines over the past few years, but the crowd booing him is a real shocker. I always thought Colts fans had more class…