At the age of 29, one of the best NFL quarterbacks, and the guy who was bound to become the Hall of Fame member, Andrew Luck decided to retire. Pain caused by numerous injuries, and the inability for him to deal with that anymore, forced Luck to say goodbye to professional football.
“It’s very difficult,” Luck said. “I love this team, I love my teammates.”
The news shook the football world and created hysteria all over the social networks. Something like this wasn’t expected, despite the fact that Luck did have problems with injuries, and wasn’t sure whether he’d play the opening match of the season.
The medical staff couldn’t diagnose his problems, which manifested with pain in the high ankle area. Eventually, the player couldn’t endure the frustrations both physical and mental, which is why he decided to quit playing.
“I’ve been stuck in this process,” he said, “I haven’t been able to live the life I want to live. It’s taken the joy out of this game … the only way forward for me is to remove myself from football.”
Back in 2017, Luck missed the entire season because of his shoulder injury, and it appears that that period continued to haunt him. Back in those days, Luck also thought about his retirement, but decided to come back, and he did it with style, winning the NFL Player Comeback of the Year Award. He threw 4.593 yards and had 39 touchdowns, leading the Colts into the playoffs and reaching the Divisional game.
After three years Indianapolis has finally made the team capable of doing big things, but it seems that this setback will destroy all that hard work.
Luck has been the No.1 pick in the 2012 draft. He was the best player on that selection, which he immediately proved, having a fantastic rookie season in which he broke several records. Some of them were most passing yards by a rookie in one game, and most comebacks in the last quarter, which was the tied-most ever in the league.
The Colts flourished under his leadership, reaching three straight playoffs, and two consecutive AFC South titles. In 2014, Luck had a memorable season, throwing 40 TDs and leading the league in that category. The Colts reached the AFC Championship game, where they lost to the New England Patriots.
In the meantime, he became the 4-time Pro Bowl, and threw 171 touchdowns throughout his career, with 23,671 yards.
What was unbelievable is that he stood by the sidelines rooting for his teammates against the Bears as if nothing happened. But the even more shocking situation was the fact that after the game, some of the Colts’ fans booed him.
What is the reason for such a rude reaction it is still not known, especially when having in mind that Luck gave 100% each time he wore the Colts jersey.
After this situation, Jacoby Brissett will fill in Luck’s spot. The 26-year old will be under huge pressure to meet the expectations, and we will see how he reacts to his new role.
