Andrew Luck, the former Indianapolis Colts quarterback, made headlines when he unexpectedly retired from professional football just before the start of the 2023 NFL season.
At the time, he cited a lack of enjoyment in the game as his reason for stepping away. However, Luck has now returned to the field, not as a player, but as a part-time coach at Palo Alto High School in California.
Luck, who played collegiately at nearby Stanford University, is sharing his wealth of football knowledge with the next generation of players.
Twice a week, he imparts his insights just feet away from where he once shone as the Cardinal quarterback. During his time at Stanford, Luck led the program to a 31-8 record and was named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year twice.
As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Luck had a promising pro career with impressive stats. However, injuries eventually took their toll, leading to his retirement in 2019.
Now, after a few years away from the game, Luck has taken the first steps toward getting involved with football again, this time as a mentor to young athletes in Palo Alto.
Here’s former Colts QB Andrew Luck explaining what led him to become a volunteer high school coach in Palo Alto. Great perspective here. pic.twitter.com/G71oXM4h7y
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 12, 2024
Andrew Luck returned to Indianapolis to attend Chuck Pagano’s annual gala for cancer research. Luck expressed his love for the city and his desire to have football integrated into his life.
He retired from the NFL in 2019 due to injuries, including a shoulder injury and a calf injury.
Despite his retirement, Luck quickly moved on, becoming a father, pursuing a master’s degree, and serving as a part-time football coach.
He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. During his NFL career, Luck led the Colts to four playoff wins, including a surprising AFC title game run in 2014.
He considered himself lucky to play for a team that had a championship-caliber level and had legendary players like Peyton Manning, Adam Vinatieri, Reggie Wayne, Dwight Freeney, and Robert Mathis.
Although Luck never considered a comeback, he believes Indianapolis is a big part of who he is.
Fans reacted as follows.
Genuinely… every time this man speaks publicly post-retirement, I indulge in thinking about those who booed him squirm with regret. Exemplary human.
— Jean Hall Gaultier (@johnnyghall) April 12, 2024
Still to this day, I think that Andrew Luck is one of the most unique QBs in @nfl history. Playing football was mearly one of his many interests (a major one) but not the only one.
— brent smith (@brentsmith1021) April 13, 2024
It’s hard to NOT like him.
— Drew Story (@drewmike6) April 12, 2024
Hope he don’t quit on his High School team.
— Joe the Colts Guy (@joethecoltsguy) April 12, 2024
This guy is grounded. Good on him!
— edge gutz (@gutzedge) April 13, 2024
This might sound wishful thinking…
but is Andrew Luck thinking of coming back to the NFL as a head coach? Or at least, would entertain the idea?
— Max Keebs (@KeebsMax) April 13, 2024
I’m calling my shot. Andrew Luck will eventually become the commissioner of the National Football League.
— Hand of the King (@TheKingsHand7) April 13, 2024
Considering he got over 100 million for the short amount of time he played he could volunteer for anything
— Brian Bright (@BrianBrigh5393) April 13, 2024
I and many many people would be happy to volunteer if someone wrote a 25 million dollar check a few years ago go figure ty
— bob m (@mrrlm26) April 13, 2024
Someone tell him we miss him
— O GR (@OGuz_96R) April 12, 2024
