Yesterday football fans worldwide were shocked when Andrew Luck announced his retirement from the NFL. Luck was very emotional when he made the news official after the conclusion of the Colts pre-season loss to the Bears.
Since the announcement a lot of speculation has occurred online that Andrew Luck may be leaving the NFL to join his father in the XFL. We do not think there is any basis in this rumor; and to be frank, it’s quite rude to suggest that this is the case.
Andrew Luck announces his retirement from the @NFL. https://t.co/PK9ADYBuOX
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 25, 2019
In his retirement speech Luck spoke about his multiple injuries throughout the years. In 2015 he suffered a shoulder injury that resulted him missing 26 games. He also missed the entire 2017 season due to shoulder, kidney and rib injuries. Luck has questioned if he would even return to the league.
“This is not an easy decision. It’s the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me.”
When Luck returned in 2018, he came back with a vengeance. Throwing for 4,593 yards and 39 touchdowns — earning Comeback Player of the Year. He ultimately led the Colts back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
Unfortunately, he suffered a calf strain that prevented him in participating in the Colts off-season activities and mini-camps this year. Luck was only active for three days during the teams training camp before he took a step back because he was having difficulty moving in the pocket.
During his emotional speech he told reporters that this was “the hardest decision of my life”. Going on to explain that he hasn’t been able to live the life he wants to live.
“I’ve been stuck in this process,” he told reporters. “I haven’t been able to live the life I want to live. It’s taken the joy out of this game. … The only way forward for me is to remove myself from football.”
Do I think Andrew Luck is joining the XFL? NO! You would be out of your mind to suggest that this is a stunt or a swerve. It’s quite clear that he doesn’t want to leave this position. This is something he’s worked for his entire life. Over the last six seasons he’s torn cartilage in 2 ribs, had a partially torn abdomen, a lacerated kidney, at least 1 concussion, a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder and the recent calf injury that led to this announcement.
Luck was in the middle of a five-year, $123 million contract extension he signed with the Indianapolis Colts in June 2016. That is a lot of money to turn down for no reason. If you watch his speech you should know that he is being sincere. It’s sad and unfortunate that such a great prospect is forced to end his career prematurely.
This reinforces the need for the XFL’s new rule-set — a fast-paced game, with new safety measures implemented. There’s no need for great players like Andrew Luck to end their career at the age of 29. Anything’s possible, never say never; but I don’t think we’ll see Luck back on the field anytime soon.
It’s more likely that he steps away from the public eye for a while to rehab and spend time with his family. Of course the XFL is an option if he was to return to the gridiron — but there are many other plausible and more likely situations.
If and when he returns in any capacity, the world’s his oyster. Any of the major broadcast companies would welcome him with open arms in an on-screen presence. There’s also the possibility that he moves into coaching, or follows his fathers footsteps in taking a front office role. The sad truth is that we may never see Andrew Luck in a playing capacity again. Truly a sad ending to what could have amounted to a long and prosperous career. Would I love to see him join the XFL at any level? Yes. Do I agree that this is the reason for his retirement from the NFL? Absolutely not.
