Andrew Luck retiring during the 2019 preseason was an absolute shock to all NFL fans.
Indianapolis Colts fans, meanwhile, could not believe what they were hearing.
Today marks two years since Luck’s retirement news dropped as he stood on the sidelines during a preseason game.
The scene was both bizarre and sad, as Colts fans even booed him as he went through this tough moment.
On this day two years ago, Andrew Luck retired.
The news dropped while the QB was still on the sidelines during Indy’s preseason game.
He was booed by some fans leaving the field, then shed tears at an emotional press conference after.
Who remembers where they were? Surreal. pic.twitter.com/1EOMmiuDO8
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 24, 2021
Luck always dealt with injuries, but it was hard to fathom the news when it came out.
Retiring The Right Move
The Colts failed Luck from the moment he joined the franchise.
He was a generational prospect, but the team could never seem to protect him properly up front.
He took 41 sacks as a rookie and had the same amount again in 2016.
That led to him missing all of 2017 before returning and playing all 16 games in 2018.
The injuries were just too much in the end and he left the game to focus on life outside of football at the age of 29.
Fans could boo all they want, but it was the noble move to make if his mind was not with the Colts.
It was also much better than coming back, only to retire during the season.
Lasting Legacy
The Colts lucked into Luck by getting him with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012.
He made four Pro Bowls in his short career and was the Comeback Player of the Year in 2018.
Luck did it all even without much help from his linemen.
The star quarterback led the league with 40 passing touchdowns in 2014 and even threw for 39 in his final season of 2018.
He clearly gave it his all every down when he was dealing with injuries since entering the league.
2 years ago today, Andrew Luck walked off the football field for the final time in his career 👏
📽️: @brettbensleypic.twitter.com/9iDOzs1BVr
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) August 24, 2021
The shocking sight of him leaving for good was a result of the news breaking online while the Colts were still playing a preseason game.
Something Luck wanted to keep private was revealed and that led to the emotional press conference following the game.
There is really no great way to announce an early retirement.
It is going to be both shocking and emotional and Luck still handled himself well.
He was ready to go home and Colts fans had to accept that, even if it felt like a breakup.
Some may still not be over the news, but a healthy and happy Luck is best for him.
The Colts also appear to be in decent shape with Carson Wentz, Jacob Eason, and Sam Ehlinger on the depth chart.
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