The news of Andrew Luck retiring from the Colts was made public with one simple tweet. It was short on info and basically stunned fans, especially since it spread like wildfire during the pre-season game Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Luck wasn\’t playing but was on the sidelines. As the game ended, a losing one at that, Luck headed to the locker room and unfortunately received loud boos from some in attendance. I\’ve heard several people call those fans out for being classless, and they\’re right. No need to boo Luck when you consider all he\’s done for the Colts and Indianapolis. But Hoosiers are an emotional bunch, especially when it comes to sports. Luck had been out of commission for A LONG time due to various injuries and here we were just days away from the season opener. Plus, we kept hearing reports that Luck was doing better, throwing the ball, optimistic about his return to the field. And then this. It was like a punch to the gut. Again, I\’m not defending those that were booing Andrew, but cut them a little slack. They were being emotional and had zero facts to go on. I\’m also betting some of those boos were fueled by a few beers on Saturday night. Because had those fans been of clear mind and had heard Andrew Luck speak during a planned press conference, explaining how much pain he continues to be in, I guarantee there wouldn\’t have been any booing. But well thought out plans don\’t always work out, do they.
Andrew Luck has been an exceptional quarterback, bringing Colts fans many victories…both on and off the field. His work with kids at Riley Children\’s Hospital has been inspiring. Matter of fact, ANY involvement he\’s had with young people has been exactly how we hope athletes will behave. Fantastic post from reporter Larra Overton:
2 weeks ago, I happened to be walking off the field behind Andrew Luck. He hadn’t practiced but was out watching & supporting his teammates. He high-fived every kid he saw as he left (I only caught the final seconds). Through his personal pain, he thought to bring joy to others. pic.twitter.com/CJqFsG4Wm7
— Larra Overton (@LarraOverton) August 25, 2019
My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Luck at with the Rotary Club of Indianapolis a couple of years ago. He was gracious and took time to talk with every fan and snap selfies.
So Andrew Luck, we wish you the very best in your retirement from football. Who knows, we may see you return to the game you\’ve loved. But whatever you do, know that you\’ve had a very positive impact on city of Indianapolis and on football fans around the world.
