Andrew Luck was supposed to be the king of the NFL when guys like Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees became too old to play, but the former Indianapolis Colts star shocked the world when he called it quits at age 29. That makes his career drastically different from Brady’s, but the 42-year-old certainly understands.
In his weekly appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” Monday morning, Brady defended Luck’s right to travel whatever path he chooses.
“It is his life. Everyone has the right to choose what they want to do. He had a great career and he was a great player,” Brady said. “Everybody wishes they could be healthy all the time. It is a contact sport and he’s certainly had his fair share of injuries, so guys retire at different times. Some at the end of the season, and I have seen a lot of guys retire before the season gets going and this is just one of those examples.”
Brady was asked how he has been able to play 20 seasons in the NFL, and he said there are both physical and emotional elements to it. He credited his outstanding support group for giving him the strength to keep going even at his age and with all he has accomplished.
“It feels great when you have that support because a football season is like a marathon,” Brady added. “There’s moments where it is very challenging whether it’s physically, emotionally, or mentally — you need somebody to help you push through the hard parts because it’s not all easy.”
Luck dealt with numerous injuries during his career, and you can’t fault him for deciding it was no longer worth it. We have already seen some big name players come forward and support his decision, which is not a surprise. Those who have played in the NFL understand the physical and mental toll it can take on an individual, and Luck is not the first superstar to walk away from that at a young age.
