Don't Feel Bad for Andrew Luck | IN THE BAG
By Brian G
Andrew Luck walked off the field at Lucas Oil Stadium to a chorus of boos echoing from the stands to the turf field on which he trod. It was an unceremonious sendoff for a franchise great, one he didn't deserve, but one he should likely have expected given the suddenness of his announcement that he is retiring from the NFL and the position he left the Colts in.
In that moment, and only that moment, should you have felt bad for Andrew Luck. Beyond that, there is no reason.
Colts fans rain down boos as Andrew Luck leaves the field after Saturday night's preseason game
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 25, 2019
(via SMH_35/reddit) pic.twitter.com/ENNxaSJABu
Luck played football and got paid handsomely for it, making over $97 million as a player and lord knows how much more in endorsements. Now, because of the pounding he got paid handsomely for and walked into with eyes wide open, he is retiring. Good for him!
Andrew Luck deciding he’s made enough money to do whatever he wants to do for the rest of his life without having to get his head bashed in or practice football is one of the most rational things any person could ever decide
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) August 25, 2019
A lot of people have expressed remorse that Luck's injuries got the best of him, derailing what was once seen as a surefire Hall-of-Fame career. They feel bad that he didn't want rehab those injuries any more (yes, I know rehabbing sucks) or deal with any more pain. To those people I say:
1. He was paid millions to keep his body in shape.
2. He knew he was going to be subject to pain.
3. He's now retiring a millionaire with the world as his oyster.
Luck can go and get any job he wants. He's got a Stanford degree. His father is connected throughout the industry. He's famous. Trust me, his future is bright.
While unbelievably shocking, I respect Andrew Luck for having the conviction and strength to do what he thinks is best. #BestOfLuck to #12 ?
— Andy Holloway (@andyholloway) August 25, 2019
Reasons to keep playing: Money, obligation, fear, popularity
Reasons to stop: Physical health, mental health, wife, family, future
As for the loss of his career, do we feel equally bad when some no name who isn't a millionaire suffers a career-ending injury at practice and never plays again despite a desire to do so? No. So why feel bad for Luck?
I'm happy for Luck. If he wanted to retire, he should. Does it suck we won't see him play football? Yes. Do I feel bad for him? No. He's doing what he wanted to do. His future is lined with opportunity. His present includes vacations wherever he wants. Seems like a pretty sweet life to me.