By: Zachary Barth, Staff Writer

Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback Andrew Luck announced he will be retiring from football. 

Luck only being 29 years old informed Colts owner Jim Irsay that he was unable to continue playing.

“This is not an easy decision. It’s the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me,” Luck said in the post-game interview.

 Luck was the first overall pick in the 2012 draft by the Colts to replace former quarterback Peyton Manning. Luck rightfully did and brought the Colts to three straight playoff appearances. 

 The 2015 season is when things took a turn for Luck. In week 3, sustained a shoulder injury early in the season against the Tennessee Titans. It also held him out of their game the following week.

This injury continued, and Luck could not find any luck in returning to full health. Luck missed a total of 26 games and missed the entire 2017 NFL season due to complications with his calf, ankles, ribs, kidneys, and his initial shoulder injury.

When news broke of Luck’s decision, the Colts were finishing their week-three preseason matchup. Following the game, Luck was then booed out of the stadium by the ungrateful fans.

When footage of the booing released, I tried to see why they were so upset. Luck did everything he could. He was in rehab for 5 straight years, and he physically could not perform like he used to.

Luke does not deserve the hate he is receiving, and I find it selfish of the fans to make him feel uneasy of his decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hear it. Yeah it hurt,” Luck said when asked about the booing. 

Luck came into a franchise with tremendous pressure. If he hadn’t been injured the majority of his career, Luck would have been known as one of the best decisions the team made.

“We have nothing but gratitude and thankfulness for the blood, sweat and tears he spilled as No. 12,” Irsay stated.