ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Andrew Luck will be announcing his retirement from the NFL in a press conference tomorrow.
Filed to ESPN: Andrew Luck has informed the Colts he is retiring from the NFL, per source. There will be a press conference Sunday to make it official, but Luck is mentally worn down, and now checking out.
- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2019
Who Is Andrew Luck?
Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Luck was more than ready for The League. After leading the Colts to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons Luck showcased why there was so much hype for him. Unfortunately for 2015/16 he would begin battling injuries. Those troubles would lead to him having to sit the entire 2017 season out after a shoulder surgery tied him to the sidelines.
Luck would rejoin his Colts for the 2018 season and had flashes of his former output. The already 3x Pro Bowler would end up losing the first two openers to the season but then had a career high game in both touchdowns and completions showcasing just how electric he could be. He'd go on to lead his team back from a 1-5 start to earn a Wild Card berth where they would go on to upset the Houston Texans to move on to the Divisional Round. This run up would end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs but the season would be more than enough to earn Luck's 4th Pro Bowl selection.
My Take
Back in March, Luck married his longtime girlfriend Nicole Pechanec. It didn't take but after a few short months the couple announced that they would be having their first child. While I don't know Andrew Luck I imagine it would be hard to turn down spending all of your time with your new bride and newborn child. It certainly seems better than hearing half of Indianapolis talk trash about your injuries.
It could very well be that his current injury is far worse than what we're being told. Perhaps he can't medically play at this point and the issue with a small little bone in his foot is something that Luck can't risk taking further damage to. I get it! While it would suck to send back the $10m in bonuses I don't think it would be worth the opportunity above. I wish Luck all the best with all of his future endeavors!
What's Next For The Colts?
Things could get a bit ugly. The Colts will likely turn back to Jacoby Brissett as the quarterback for this season. Brissett had led the team in 2017, while Luck was sidelined, to a 4-11 record. He'll certainly look to improve on that number this season.
Fortunately Brissett will have a good amount of help. The Colts will still have WR T.Y. Hilton and Devin Funchess along with TE Eric Ebron and Jack Doyle to act as targets for the new 26 year old QB. In addition to that talent they'll be able to call on Marlon Mack to carry the ball for them. If this is enough to repeat their playoff berth will certainly have to be seen. I for one doubt we'll see this same Cinderella story spin up again.