Andrew Luck has dropped the biggest story of the NFL season, all before Week 1 has begun.
Luck is retiring from the NFL, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Saturday night. Schefter says Luck met with Colts owner Jim Irsay to share the news.
The news comes out of nowhere as no indication had ever been given that Luck was contemplating his NFL future.
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback has been dealing with a lower leg injury that’s prevented him from participating in most of the team’s offseason program and training camp. His status entering Week 1 was unknown, but he was working to try and get ready for the season.
Since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2012, Luck has had a rough time with injuries. He missed time in 2015 due to a lacerated kidney and a partially torn abdominal muscle. He played through a shoulder injury in 2016 that required surgery and kept him out for the entire 2017 season. He returned last season and threw for 4593 yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, making his fourth career Pro Bowl.
The 29-year-old has earned about $97 million during his playing career. He was in the middle of a five-year contract worth nearly $123 million.
The former Stanford quarterback’s father Oliver is the commissioner of the upcoming XFL, a spring football league. One has to wonder whether Luck has any plans to be part of that venture.
