As Andrew Luck walked off the Lucas Oil Stadium field for what could be the final time, he was met with a chorus of boos. Luck shocked the NFL world late Saturday by announcing his retirement — a decision that was first leaked in the middle of the Indianapolis Colts’ game against the Chicago Bears.
Of all the reactions to the news, Luck didn’t expect to be booed.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I heard the reaction,” Luck told reporters. “It hurt. I’ll be honest.”
Luck said he was retiring was the “hardest decision” of his life, but added it was a necessary one. The 29-year-old was dealing with a calf and ankle injury, and was worn down by the rehab process. Since being drafted in 2012, the former No. 1 overall pick has dealt with a myriad of injuries — including a shoulder injury that caused him to miss all of 2017.
Colts general manager Chris Ballard was also disappointed by the fans’ reaction.
“For those people that booed tonight, it’s an emotional time and I understand that,” Ballard said. “This young man had done a lot for the city of Indianapolis, and for the Colts. Nobody died. And we will keep moving forward and we will make this city proud.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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