Andrew Luck was at the height of his playing career when he shocked the NFL world a year ago by retiring from football. While fans might still be hoping for him to return, it’s clear Luck won’t be returning to the NFL.
Luck, who retired at the age of 29, was coming off a 2018 season that saw him make the Pro Bowl and win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. The Colts were a team on the rise with many expecting them to contend for a Super Bowl with Luck leading the way.
Everything changed on Aug. 24, 2019, when one of the NFL’s biggest stars walked away from the game he loved.
Will Andrew Luck play again?
Ever since he retired, Colts owner Jim Irsay and the team’s fans have clung to hope that Luck would return. After a grueling 2019 season, where the team struggled mightily without their leader, general manager Chris Ballard admitted the shock of Luck’s retirement and his absence was still felt months later.
The Colts now hope they found their solution at quarterback this offseason, signing Philip Rivers to a one-year contract. With a reliable starting quarterback under center and the defense improved, things are looking up for the Colts in 2020.
As for Luck, the retirement lifestyle seems to suit him. According to The Athletic’s Zac Keefer, Luck is happily enjoying life with his family and still lives in Indianapolis. Unsurprisingly, with everything going well, a return to the NFL is out of the question with Luck not carrying any regrets about stepping away in the prime of his career.
The latest development isn’t surprising. Luck’s father hinted in January that a return to the field was unlikely and his former head coach Tony Dungy made it clear that Luck’s playing days were likely over.
There are so many thought-provoking historical hypotheticals in the NFL and fans will forever wonder what would have happened if Luck kept playing. While we might have missed out on a Hall of Fame career, it’s great to see Luck is happy and healthy.