Andrew Luck Has Brutally Honest Response To Colts Fans Booing Him
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts walks off the field after the Indianapolis Colts preseason game against the Chicago Bears after it was reported that he would be retiring at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck shocked the NFL world with his retirement on Saturday night, as the former No. 1 overall pick decided to call it a career at 29.
Luck, who's battled several injuries over the past couple of seasons, is simply mentally spent when it comes to the game.
"I've been stuck in this process," Luck said. "I haven't been able to live the life I want to live. It's taken the joy out of this game ... the only way forward for me is to remove myself from football.
"This is not an easy decision. It's the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me.''
Luck's retirement news surfaced toward the end of the Colts' preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium. He was booed by fans as he walked off the field.
Luck was asked about the booing by reporters at his retirement press conference. The former Stanford Cardinal star was brutally honest.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't hear it," Luck said of the boos. "Yeah, it hurt. I'll be honest, it hurt."
Luck was emotional several times during his press conference and it's clear that he was bothered by the booing, both in the moment and after getting asked about it.
Luck retired following seven seasons in the NFL. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft ends his career with 2,000 completions, 3,290 attempts, 23,671 yards, 171 touchdowns and 83 interceptions.
The star quarterback is walking away from perhaps the best Colts team of his tenure. Many within the NFL believed Indianapolis could've contended for an AFC championship this season.
Now, the Colts will open the season on Sunday, Sept. 8 with Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback.
