When quarterback Andrew Luck shocked the NFL world and the Indianapolis Colts by retiring before the 2019 season, everyone knew it would have a profound impact on the Colts for years to come. Now, Colts general manager Chris Ballard has revealed just how long it took for everything to sink in.
Speaking to reporters at the team’s season-ending press conference, Ballard revealed that Luck’s retirement didn’t really hit him until just a few days ago.
The Colts went into training camp as favorites to win the AFC South and many even viewed them as a Super Bowl contender. Everything changed when their franchise quarterback decided to step away from the game before he turned 30.
Indianapolis tried to make things work this season with Jacoby Brissett as the starter, but the offense never came close to reaching the heights it achieved under Luck and the team finished with a 7-9 record.
Now, as the offseason begins, Ballard is prepared to explore all options at quarterback with an eye set on returning to contention in 2020. One possibility, signing Pro Bowl quarterback Philip Rivers.