Just weeks shy of his 30th birthday Andrew Luck has announced that he will be retiring from the NFL, citing mental fatigue as his reason. Luck has played his entire six season career with the Indianapolis Colts. His first three seasons, beginning in 2012, left fans and pundits believing he was a shoe-in to be a future Hall-Of-Famer.
Injuries End the Lucky Streak
Luck led his team to the playoffs each of those first three years with 11-5 regular season records. He threw for a career high 40 touchdowns in his third season. Luck’s name suited him for a young quarterback, as it appeared that “luck” was on his side. Then came 2015. A shoulder injury came first. It was written off as a sprain and Luck kept playing without surgery. He played until November when he suffered a torn abdominal muscle and lacerated kidney. His fortune had run out for the season.
Luck returned in 2016 but played injured. The shoulder, where the doctors couldn’t find evidence of damage, still plagued the young signal-caller. In spite of his pain, Luck soldiered on completing the season.
In January 2017 Luck finally underwent shoulder surgery. The season came and Luck’s status remained uncertain, resulting in him sitting out the entire 2017 season and sought further treatment in Europe. Luck would return ready to play for the 2018 season.
A Good Season – Too Little, Too Late?
2018 was a great season for the Colts and Luck, as they went 10-6 and returned to the playoffs. Luck was back on track, everyone was excited.
That was until today.
Luck has had enough. He has been through an emotional and physical wringer. Players are retiring earlier, generally citing fear of physical problems. Luck is among the few and the brave to admit the emotional and mental toll is just too much.
We here at The AOSN wish you the best of luck Mr. Luck. We hope that your post-football life will bring you health and happiness.
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