Andrew Luck, 29, has announced his retirement from the NFL two weeks prior to commencing his eight season as Quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts.
Luck stated it was the hardest decision of his life. His decision came from losing the joy he once had from playing football.
Luck held a press conference to publicly announce his decision on Aug. 24th, 2019. He battled tearing up as he said, “I’ve been stuck in this process and haven’t been able to live the life I want to live….It’s taken the joy out of this game.”
The news spread quickly around the world after the quarterback met with the owner of the Colts Jim Irsay to discuss his decision prior to the press conference.
Luck has battled with injuries throughout his career and having to learn how to cope with all these injuries has taken a mental tole on his life.
Luck was on the field with his team for their preseason game against the Chicago Bears, but was booed by fans off the field as the news of his retirement came out. During the press conference, when asked about the crowds reaction, Luck said, “It hurt.”
On social media, many NFL players supported Luck with his decision, and frowned upon the fans who booed the man who gave Indianapolis everything he had.
As the 2019 season was about to commence, news spread about an ankle injury Luck was battling, but nothing about how severe the injury was, until the retirement.
Luck missed most of the 2015 NFL season due to a lacerated kidney and torn cartilage in his ribs.
After the 2016 season, Luck had surgery on his shoulder that was troubling him throughout his career, therefore causing him to go undergo rehab and miss all of the 2017 season.
Andrew Luck is a four-time Pro Bowler who has given the Colts his best, but has struggled to stay healthy. The Indianapolis Colts organization wished Andrew Luck the best, and are now moving with their next Quarterback in line 26-year-old Jacoby Brissett.
Brissett was given a two-year contract extension worth $30 million.The Colts also signed 10-year veteran quarterback
Brian Hoyer to a three-year deal worth $12 million. Hoyer will be the second string behind Brissett.
The Colts look to continue attempting to make the playoffs behind a solid offensive unit and hope to be a Super Bowl Contender even without Andrew Luck.
