The New England Patriots find themselves in a situation they haven’t been in for over 20 years; they aren’t sure who their QB of the future is.
Tom Brady (the undisputed GOAT) has left the building and flown south to Tampa Bay; Cam Newton started the season well but has struggled recently.
Retired Colts QB Andrew Luck’s name has often come up in these conversations since his abrupt retirement in August 2019.
So the question remains could the Patriots lure Luck out of retirement to become a Patriot in 2021?
Speculation
Can’t wait to see Andrew Luck come out of retirement and lead the Pats back to glory in 2021
— Perry Robinson, III (@ThePRobReport) October 28, 2020
Neither Luck nor the Patriots has ever publicly addressed the media speculation that a marriage between the two could happen.
Luck retired from the NFL immediately before the 2019 season.
He gave a heartfelt speech telling the world his body was spent, and he knew it was time to retire.
"I know that I am unable to pour my heart and soul into this position. … it's sad, but I also have a lot of clarity in this."
Andrew Luck speaks on his retirement from the NFL. (via @rtv6) pic.twitter.com/cs5HAOQT2G
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 25, 2019
But Luck was only 29 years old at the time of his retirement.
His body weathered injuries, but time off could heal those and recharge his competitive desire to play again.
Brett Favre retired and unretired and so has Rob Gronkowski.
So could it happen?
Anything is possible, but all reports indicate that Andrew Luck is contented and at peace with his life as a retired NFL player.
For those wondering: Been told Andrew Luck is doing really well. Happy. Healthy. No second-guessing his decision. Still lives in Indianapolis, and stays in touch with his former teammates.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 24, 2020
Andrew Luck’s NFL Legacy Is Unfinished
Hypothetically speaking, Andrew Luck does have unfinished business in the NFL.
He was arguably one of the most talented QBs to play the game; however, he never had the supporting cast around him to win the elusive Super Bowl.
Others feel he may have walked away too young to be considered an NFL Hall-of-Famer.
While there are no indications from Luck’s camp that these thoughts are eating away at him during retirement, he would have something to play for if he chose to come back.
And if the GOAT Coach Bill Belichick called him, would he entertain the prospect of playing again?
No one knows for sure.
The New England Patriots
One point that is not hypothetical is that the New England Patriots are in flux.
This season is showing them how valuable Tom Brady’s longevity and consistency was to their success.
So even if the Luck situation is not a possibility, the team will be shopping for a starting QB.
Keeping with the Indianapolis Colts theme, the Patriots could pursue current Colts backup Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett was drafted by the Patriots in 2016 and saw some playing time before being traded to the Colts in 2017.
He has experience as a starter because of Luck’s extensive injuries.
At 27 years, he is a viable option.
Or the Patriots could look for a QB in the 2021 NFL Draft.
It is difficult to say how the team will deal with their QB situation, but one thing is for sure.
The Patriots don’t like losing so the team will be working to fix the problem.
It just seems highly unlikely that Andrew Luck will be their man.
But never say never.
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