Tony Dungy never got the chance to work with Andrew Luck, but the legendary Indianapolis Colts quarterback knows the impact Luck had on the organization and what he meant to the city. He also doesn’t believe Luck will ever return to the NFL after stunningly retiring before the 2019 season.
In an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show, Dungy talked about Luck’s decision to step away from football, what influenced it and why he doesn’t think the 30-year-old quarterback will return to the NFL.
“I think his decision was well thought out. I think there was a lot of mental pressure on him, the fact that he was getting hurt a lot,” Dungy said, via The Dan Patrick Show. “I think he just made the decision; it’s time to step away. I don’t think he made that lightly. I don’t see him all of a sudden saying, ‘I took the year off and my body feels better and now I’m coming back’…I don’t think he’s coming back, personally”.
Luck’s sudden retirement weeks before the 2019 season drastically shook the Colts and the community. While the team tried to make it work with Jacoby Brissett, the front office came into the offseason knowing it was time to find another quarterback.
While owner Jim Irsay didn’t shut down the idea of Luck returning earlier this offseason, Dungy’s comment and those made by Luck’s father indicate he won’t be returning to the game.
Fortunately for the Colts, they found their answer at quarterback with Philip Rivers. Now with a new leader on board and other moves made, this is a team ready to compete in the AFC next season.