Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has mostly lived a private life since his sudden retirement from professional football.
The former No. 1 pick shared details about his decision to quit the NFL when he was just 29 and embarking on a path that would likely lead him into the Hall of Fame.
Speaking to ESPN, Luck finally shared why he left the game in the midst of its prime.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Former Indianapolis Colts player Andrew Luck is seen during the 2022 CFP National Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
In a rare meeting with the media, Luck spoke to ESPN’s Seth Wickersham and said he didn’t resign simply because of the well-documented injuries he sustained while playing.
While the physical struggles Luck endured certainly played a part, Luck revealed that the emotional toll also affected him.
“To play quarterback, you don’t have to worry about anything except the task at hand,” Luck explained. “And that seeps into other areas of life. It’s not the healthiest way to live.”
49ERS COULD NOT LOSE JIMMY GAROPPOLO FOR THE SEASON AFTER DOCTORS GO TOGETHER ON BROKEN FOOT: REPORT
Luck indicated that his obsession with being an elite quarterback affected some of the relationships in his personal life.
Wickersham also noted that Luck struggled figuring out how to be the best leader for the team. Luck seemed to feel the pressure to change his entire personality to live up to expectations of being the leader in the dressing room.
Indianapolis Colts number 12 Andrew Luck throws a pass down field during the game against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium December 16, 2018 in Indianapolis. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The four-time Pro Bowler began to suffer from something of an identity crisis.
“A lot of. A lot of. A LOT,” Luck said when asked how much he identified as a quarterback. “And I only realized that afterwards.”
RAMS REQUESTS QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD FROM WAIVERS
The high standards Luck held for himself translated well on the field as he quickly became one of the league’s top young signal-callers. However, the 2018 NFL Comeback Player of the Year couldn’t handle the pressures he personally felt as he suffered mounting injuries throughout his football career.
Wickersham went on to explain that even when Luck was sidelined with injury, Luck felt guilty because he felt he was letting everyone down.
Andrew Luck on the field prior to the 2022 CFP College Football National Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Marc Lebryk – USA TODAY Sports)
Luck eventually learned how to express his concerns to those closest to him, including his wife Nicole. Luck suffered another injury before the start of the 2019 season and announced his retirement.
Aside from the injury, things had changed in Luck’s personal life. “He wasn’t just a quarterback. During the off-season, he and Nicole got married and she was pregnant with Lucy,” Wickersham explained. “He had responsibilities and promises that went beyond himself and the Colts. He was about to say out loud what he’d only revealed to Nicole and a few others: that he wasn’t sure he wanted to do this anymore. couldn’t. Wanted to. He has proven that he can play at a high level. He’s received a lot of praise and criticism, enough to know that neither counts.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In order to preserve not only his physical but also his mental health, Luck decided to retire.
Luck’s decision to walk away seemed sudden to fans and maybe even the Colts organization, but the quarterback certainly seemed to have been thinking about it for a while.
Chantz Martin is a sportswriter at Fox News Digital.