Thank you, Andrew Luck

Andrew luck hung up his jersey on Sunday and retired from the national football league at only 29-years-old. Luck was the face of the Indianapolis Colts franchise and has been ever since Peyton Manning got released in the 2012 season. Luck, with virtually no offensive line or defense up until this year, made the playoffs every year he played a full season. He was undefeated against his division in the AFC South and was a grinder on the football field.

But after a handful of injuries, Lick found it “mentally challenging” to get back to his old self and maintain the success he made on the football field. Think about this: Luck hadn’t reached his peak yet and analysts still considered him one of the top quarterbacks in football. If the love for the game wasn’t in Luck’s heart every time he stepped foot on that football field every single week, he’d look like a bum who’s getting paid millions of dollars for nothing. Fans, analysts and reporters would continue to question “what is wrong with Andrew Luck?”

Instead of the drama, media and fan base ridiculing Luck, he decided to do what was best for him and retire from football. This obviously left everyone shocked. But can anyone be mad at Andrew Luck for doing what’s best for Andrew Luck?

Indianapolis, instead of booing your quarterback who had brought you to the playoffs every year since he’s been in the league, cheer for him that he’s doing what’s best for him. I understand the instant reaction the fans had, I get it. Thinking that this is the year for your team to make the Super Bowl because you had a complete team. It’s like anything: if you bought tickets to see the broadway play Hamilton, but the main actor retired a week before you went to the show, you’d be a little upset and boo him from your television. Just like Indy fans who probably bought season tickets, their quarterback is no longer in the league. But, to remain mad and upset about the situation is utterly pointless.

I too, was shocked and upset after hearing the news. But I came to reality when Luck spoke about the continuous cycle he had in the NFL. Luck referred to being injured and rehabbing just to get injured and rehab again. Being in his shoes, thinking to be 100 percent after each rehab, just to get injured again and fall further away from the quarterback you want to be must feel devastating, and Luck had been defeated.

Ever see a married couple and think, wow, how are they still together after 30 years? Constant fighting, constant bickering, never happy. They probably should have never gotten married. Luck: constantly fighting an uphill battle, never satisfied with his body and never emotionally satisfied. Difference? Luck called it quits at the appropriate time. This was the best move he could have done. It takes a genuine good person to hang up the jersey the way Luck did it. He retired before anyone saw him decline or become emotionally frustrated. Luck did not want anyone to see him going downhill or not performing at his peak.

Then to those who think football is not emotionally exhausting:

Ever have a big project to do for work? Your entire company is relying solely on you to produce in grand fashion. If you do not produce, you’re essentially a failure. You got the biggest raise in the company. You are working 15 hours a day going home and working more. You finish the project just to have another project awaiting you. The next project isn’t as good as the first, then the project after is nowhere near as good.

In football, every project has to be perfection. And when injury occurs, you’re expected to be what you once were. Don’t be misunderstood, it can fall short. But if it does, be ready for media, fans, reporters, coaches, and owners being ready to question your performance, and be ready to be released. Nobody knows who you are if you fall short of a project at work making millions. You’re surrounded by everyone and their mother in football if you fall short. The mental compasity to deal with fans, your record, the media, the organization, and most of all, yourself and own well being has got to be exhausting.

To produce the way Luck did and in the fashion he conducted himself with will be forever memorable. Though the league will go on, there will never be another one quite like him. From the bottom of my heart I say, thank you. Thank you Mr. Andrew Luck.