Andrew Luck retires: What we know about the Colts QB's decision to walk away

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Andrew Luck stunned the NFL world Saturday night when he announced he was retiring.

Luck, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2012 draft by the Indianapolis Colts, was a seven-year veteran and had earned a reputation as one of the game’s brightest, young passers, thanks to his arm strength, toughness and pocket presence. Luck will turn 30 years old on Sept. 12, which is four days after the Colts open their 2019 season against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Luck was entering his fourth season on a six-year extension worth just over $139 million. He is giving up $58.125 million left on his contract. He earned more than $100 million in his career.

Here is everything we know about Luck’s abrupt decision to step away from the NFL.

How he did it

Luck held an impromptu press conference after Saturday night’s preseason game against the Chicago Bears as reports surfaced of his decision. Luck had been on the field during the pregame warmups and made the announcement as he choked back tears and became emotional.

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Why he did it

Luck said he had been mulling retirement for a “week-and-a-half, two weeks, a little bit fast and furious.” He explained how emotionally drained he had become after dealing with a series of injuries.

“(The injuries have) taken my joy of this game away,” Luck said. “I’ve been stuck in this process, haven’t been able to live the life I want to live. After 2016, I played in pain and was unable to practice, I said I wouldn’t go through that again.”

What are the injuries?

Luck won the Comeback Player of the Year award at the end of last season after he returned from a lengthy absence due to a torn right labrum. In 2018, he played in all 16 games, completed 67.3 % of his passes for 4,593 yards, and threw for 39 touchdowns versus 15 interceptions. Then, throughout this training camp, Luck hasn’t participated in practices or preseason games as he has dealt with a calf injury that spread to his ankle in his left leg. Luck has also dealt with at least one concussion, a lacerated kidney and torn cartilage in two ribs.

Physical toll on Andrew Luck through 6 NFL seasons:
» Torn cartilage in 2 ribs
» partially torn abdomen
» a lacerated kidney that left him peeing blood
» at least 1 concussion
» a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder
» and this mysterious calf/ankle issue that led to this

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 25, 2019

Fans boo Luck

The very last time Luck walked off the field of Lucas Oil Stadium, Colts fans pelted him with a chorus of boos as they reacted to the news that he would be stepping away from the NFL. “Yeah. It hurt,” Luck said. “I’ll be honest.”

His stats

Luck was among the most talented QBs during his time in the NFL. He finished his career with 23,671 yards passing with 171 touchdown passes and 83 interceptions. Luck played in 86 (out of a possible 112) games in his career. Luck completed 60.8 percent of his passes and had an 89.5 quarterback rating.

What’s next for the Colts?

With Luck, who – when healthy – had been a candidate for league MVP, the Colts were considered contenders to win the AFC South, and even to potentially make a deep run in the playoffs. Indy still has a talented roster, but now the pressure falls on the right arm of backup-quarterback-turned-starter Jacoby Brissett.

Indianapolis acquired Brissett in a trade with the New England Patriots before the 2017 season. Brissett is 26, and he is set to enter his fourth season in the NFL. He has plenty of size (6-foot-4 and 240 pounds) and enough arm strength and awareness to anticipate when receivers will break open for him.

In 2017 when Brissett started 15 games, he completed 58.8 % of his passes for 3,098 yards and 13 touchdowns with seven interceptions. He also ran for four scores.

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