What Happened to Andrew Luck? Why Andrew Luck Retired?
Updated Aug 25, 2023
Who is Andrew Luck?
Andrew Austen Luck, born on September 12, 1989, is a former American football quarterback known for his impressive career in the National Football League (NFL). During his time at Stanford University, Luck gained immense recognition as one of the most highly touted prospects in college football. This reputation translated into a significant impact in the NFL when he was selected as the first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Luck's early years in the NFL were marked by outstanding achievements, setting rookie records for passing yards while leading the Colts to a remarkable turnaround, from a 2–14 record the previous season to an impressive 11–5 record and a playoff berth.
His versatile playing style, showcasing his skills as a dual-threat quarterback, propelled the Colts to consecutive division titles in the subsequent seasons. Although injuries later posed challenges, Luck's resilience was evident as he returned to the field in 2018, earning accolades such as the Comeback Player of the Year and leading the Colts back to the playoffs.
Full Name
Andrew Austen Luck
Date of Birth
September 12, 1989
Birthplace
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Height
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight
240 lb (109 kg)
Position
Quarterback
College
Stanford University (2008–2011)
High School
Stratford High School (Houston, Texas)
NFL Career
Played in the NFL for seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts
Retirement
Retired ahead of the 2019 NFL season due to injuries
Hall of Fame
Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022
What Happened to Andrew Luck?
Over the course of the subsequent three seasons after his impressive return to the NFL, Andrew Luck faced a series of challenges primarily centered around recurring injuries. These physical setbacks led to his unfortunate absence during the entire 2017 season.
Despite the hurdles, Luck made a triumphant comeback in the following year, showcasing his resilience by achieving several career highs and leading the Indianapolis Colts back to the playoffs. His remarkable performance earned him the title of Comeback Player of the Year and secured him a spot in the Pro Bowl for the fourth time.
However, a significant turning point occurred when Andrew Luck took the unexpected step of retiring from professional football just two weeks before the commencement of the 2019 season. At the age of 29, on August 24, 2019, he announced his retirement, marking the end of his seven-season NFL career. In a press conference, Luck candidly explained his decision, citing his recurring cycle of injuries and the toll that rehabilitation had taken on his overall well-being.
Why Andrew Luck Retired?
In his official retirement announcement on August 24, 2019, Luck emphasized the toll that the recurrent cycle of injuries and rehabilitation had taken on his overall well-being. He candidly shared that the process had hindered his ability to lead the life he desired and had drained the joy from the game he once loved.
Despite acknowledging the difficulty of his decision, he firmly believed that stepping away from football was the right path for him to regain control over his life and seek a more fulfilling and balanced existence.
Andrew Luck's decision to retire from professional football was influenced by a combination of factors that encompassed both physical and personal considerations. Despite his remarkable talents and the recognition he received as a prominent NFL quarterback, Luck's choice to retire during what many consider to be his prime led to discussions about the challenges faced by athletes in balancing their careers and personal lives.
Andrew Luck Age
Andrew Luck was born on September 12, 1989, in Washington, D.C., which makes him currently 33 years old. He was born into a notable family, with his parents being Kathy (née Wilson) and Oliver Luck. Oliver Luck has had an impressive career trajectory himself, having served as the commissioner of the XFL, held executive roles at the NCAA, worked as a quarterback and athletic director at West Virginia University, and even played as an NFL quarterback for the Houston Oilers.
Luck's upbringing also had a religious aspect, as he was raised as a Roman Catholic and actively participated in his church's youth group. This background hints at the various influences that have shaped his life, from his family's involvement in sports to his faith-based upbringing. Throughout his career, Luck's achievements and decisions have been closely observed, not only due to his football prowess but also due to the insight he has provided into the personal and professional aspects of his life.
Andrew Luck Career
Andrew Luck's career is marked by notable achievements and accomplishments, particularly during his time with the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Colts from 2012 to 2018, leaving a significant impact on the team and the league as a whole.
Luck's career highlights and awards showcase his skill and influence on the field. He was honored as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2018 after making a triumphant return from injuries that had sidelined him. Additionally, he was selected for the Pro Bowl on four occasions (2012-2014, 2018), a testament to his consistent performance and impact.
Luck's prowess as a quarterback is evident in his achievement as the NFL's passing touchdowns leader in 2014. This ability to consistently find the end zone contributed to his team's successes. His college football career at Stanford University also garnered recognition, earning him prestigious awards such as the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award during his senior year in 2011.
Luck's contributions extended beyond awards and accolades; he set an NFL record for the most passing yards by a rookie quarterback with 4,374 yards. His versatile playing style is also highlighted by his rushing stats, accumulating 1,590 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns over his career. These statistics collectively paint a picture of Andrew Luck as a quarterback who left a lasting impact on the NFL through his performance and contributions both on and off the field.
Andrew Luck Personal Life
Off the football field, Luck displayed his academic prowess by graduating from Stanford University in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in architectural design. He received the Al Masters Award, which recognized his exceptional achievements in athletics, leadership, and academics. This blend of talents highlighted his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Luck's personal preferences and quirks further showcase his multifaceted personality. He revealed that his favorite musician is Bruce Springsteen, reflecting his musical tastes. Additionally, his reputation as "the Colts' very own librarian" speaks to his avid reading habits and his penchant for suggesting and sharing books with his teammates. His favorites ranged from literature like Henri Charrière's "Papillon" to historical fiction by Bernard Cornwell.
Luck married his longtime girlfriend, Nicole Pechanec, in March 2019. They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lucy, in November of the same year. Despite his achievements, Luck maintained his privacy, eschewing social media and continuing to use a flip phone. He also pursued cycling as a hobby and announced plans to return to Stanford University in 2022 as a graduate student, indicating his ongoing commitment to education and personal growth.
What Happened to Andrew Luck - FAQs
Andrew Luck retired from football due to a combination of recurring injuries and a desire to prioritize his well-being and personal life.
Andrew Luck announced his retirement from the NFL on August 24, 2019.
Luck's career highlights include being a 4-time Pro Bowl selection, winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2018, and leading the league in passing touchdowns in 2014.
Luck was known for sharing and suggesting books to his teammates, earning him the nickname "the Colts' very own librarian."
After retiring, Luck continued to prioritize his private life, moved to the Bay Area in 2022, and announced plans to return to Stanford University as a graduate student.