Andrew Luck has found his way back to football, but not on the field.
According to Mail Online, Andrew Luck, the former NFL quarterback, now steps into a managerial role at Stanford Cardinal, managing coaching and business operations.
The ex-Indianapolis Colts player, who famously retired in 2019 due to health issues, will take on major responsibilities in his new position, including overseeing the coaching staff, player recruitment, and various business aspects such as fundraising and sponsorships.
Andrew Luck's connection with Stanford runs deep, having been a star quarterback there from 2009 to 2011, and twice ending as a Heisman Trophy runner-up. During his collegiate career, he set records and significantly contributed to the team’s success with a stellar 23-3 record over his final two seasons.
However, Stanford’s football program has witnessed significant struggles recently, with a disappointing 3-9 record for two successive seasons. Andrew Luck expressed his enthusiasm about returning to football and Stanford. "I am excited to be back in football," he remarked during an appearance on College GameDay.
The challenges Stanford faces in the evolving landscape of college sports are clear, and Luck has acknowledged as much. He commented on the need for the institution to adapt swiftly to changes like the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) regulations and the transfer portal.
"It's the greatest game in our country, I love it," Luck added, showing his ongoing passion for football despite his early retirement from professional play.
Reflecting on why he retired, Andrew Luck shared, "I haven't been able to live the life I want to live. Taken the joy out of the game, and after 2016, when I played in pain and was unable to regularly practice, I made a vow to myself that I would not go down that path again. I find myself in a similar situation and the only way forward for me is to remove myself from football and this cycle that I've been in."
Before taking up this significant role at Stanford, Luck had been involved with football at a more community level, volunteering as an assistant coach at Palo Alto High School.
During his time in the NFL, Luck experienced various injuries that ultimately led to his decision to retire after missing the entire 2017 season and signaling a return in 2019 that never fully materialized due to his preseason announcement.
This job at Stanford marks Andrew Luck's first official role at the collegiate or professional level since he stepped away from the NFL. "I'm very thankful for what football has given me," he stated, reflecting on his journey.
"In many, many ways on many, many levels. Stanford is one of those deeper levels. There's something about it, especially the people there. This is going to be a daunting challenge. It's a steep climb. But I'm fired up," Luck continued, speaking about the challenges he anticipates.
Andrew Luck, with his deep ties to Stanford and a new perspective on football, aims to revitalize a struggling program while nurturing young talent. His prior achievements at Stanford and experience in the NFL meld to form a promising future for Stanford Cardinal football. As the general manager, Luck’s tenure will be closely watched as he applies his learnings to tackle the inherent challenges of college football management.
