Andrew Luck sent the Indianapolis Colts and the entire NFL world into a tailspin when he suddenly announced his retirement from the game on August 24, 2019.
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– Pass Yards: 23,671
– Passing Touchdowns: 171
– Pro Bowls: 4
– 2018 Comeback Player of the Year
Happy retirement to Andrew Luck!#NFL pic.twitter.com/aykElwB4AV
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) August 25, 2019
Because it was so unexpected and Luck was only 29 at the time, many expected that he would have second thoughts and return to the NFL at some point.
As more time passes, that seems less likely.
Luck had multiple chances to rejoin his former team beginning in 2020 when the Colts went out and got Philip Rivers to be the signal-caller for one season.
He had another chance to call his former team and report back to work in 2021 before the Colts traded for Carson Wentz.
His retirement appears final, and Luck could not be happier about it.
He is rarely in the public eye so we are forced to rely on statements from former teammates who stay in touch with him.
Andrew Luck is 'doing better than all of us combined' in retirement https://t.co/Za78jdsN86 pic.twitter.com/2PcAXHzc2T
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 1, 2022
The latest word from his former Stanford quarterbacks coach David Shaw is that Luck is “doing better than all of us combined” in retirement.
Recent Luck Sighting
Prior to hearing this news, we were treated to a rare Luck public appearance at the College Football Playoff final.
Luck is visibly slimmer.
He may not be a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame given his short career, but he will be immortalized in the College Football Hall of Fame.
“An amazing honor. So happy to share it with Stanford — it’s meant so much to me while I was there and since then.” — Andrew Luck after being named to the 2022 College Football Hall of Fame Class#GoStanford pic.twitter.com/2j6zpDx0pS
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) January 11, 2022
What’s Next For Luck
That is yet to be determined.
Luck has been taking his time to figure out his next chapter.
In the meantime, he is enjoying family life and fatherhood.
Shaw expects Luck to jump into philanthropic work at some point down the line.
“I think, when he does dive into his next enterprise, it will be something that benefits people. That’s all I’m comfortable saying right now. He’s a very conscientious person, and someone who beyond football wants to make an impact in our society.”
Will Luck Get Into Pro Football HOF?
Is Luck lucky enough to get into Canton?
There is no doubt he possessed the talent to be a Hall of Famer.
However, his career was short and unfortunately marred by injuries.
The fact is he only played in 5 1/2 out of the 7 seasons he was in the NFL.
He was a four-time Pro Bowler but never won a conference championship or a Super Bowl.
On Andrew Luck… I agree with this. The logic for me is simple:
Is Luck one of the best players in franchise history? Definitely. Ring of Honor ☑️
Will he ever see the inside of the Hall of Fame? Not unless he buys a ticket. So, retired number? 👎🏾 https://t.co/iM92TkeREz
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 20, 2020
The Colts Have Not Been The Same Since He Left
While Luck’s potential enshrinement into the Hall of Fame is debatable, what is not is the fact that the Colts have not been the same since Luck retired.
The team has struggled to find a franchise quarterback to take them to the next level.
Had Luck not dealt with such serious and significant injuries, he likely would have played longer and had a real chance to give them postseason success.
Since it looks as though Luck has rebounded, hopefully, the Colts will follow suit and rebound soon also.
