Andrew Luck stunned the NFL world on Aug. 24, 2019, when he walked away from football at the age of 29. Years later, NFL teams are still attempting to lure the former MVP candidate out of retirement.
Luck, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, walked away from the NFL due to the physical toll it took on his body. As he revealed to Seth Wickersham in December 2022, his body was breaking down, it drained him mentally and he no longer liked how football consumed him.
- Andrew Luck stats (career): 53-33 record, 23,671 passing yards, 171 passing touchdowns, 83 interceptions, 7.2 ypa, 89.5 passer rating
Related: Indianapolis Colts reached out to Andrew Luck before Carson Wentz trade
Luck’s decision had ripple effects on the NFL. The Colts went from a Super Bowl contender to a club in quarterback purgatory, trying various cast-offs over the years including Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan.
Indianapolis felt the effects of Luck’s retirement for years and tried to talk him out of it on multiple occasions. As previously reported, the Colts called Luck before they acquired Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles. One year later, another team took the very same approach.
According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Washington Commanders reached out to Andrew Luck in 2022 about making an NFL return. After they were rejected, then they made the trade with Indianapolis for Wentz.
Since his retirement, Luck has made it clear he has no interest in playing football again. The Colts’ organization realized this several years ago, but it evidently didn’t stop the Commanders from trying. Even if Luck had expressed interest, though, Indianapolis likely wouldn’t have allowed it to happen.
- Andrew Luck career earnings: $19.1 million
Keim goes on to explain that the Commanders called everyone around the NFL. If they thought there might even be a remote chance a club was willing to make its quarterback available, Washington inquired.
Related: Indianapolis Colts GM offers sobering quote about Andrew Luck’s retirement
Ultimately, Washington realized there weren’t any better options available who were willing to play for the franchise. It influenced the organization’s decision to trade multiple Day 2 picks for Wentz and absorb his $28 million cap hit.
One year later, the Commanders quickly moved on from Wentz and are moving forward with Jacoby Brissett and Sam Howell. Meanwhile, Luck remains retired and Wentz is the top quarterback available in free agency but there are no indications he’ll sign with a team anytime soon.
