Andrew Luck retired early mainly because a long cycle of serious injuries and constant rehab took away his enjoyment of football and the life he wanted outside the game. He also wanted to protect his long‑term health and step out of a never‑ending pain and recovery loop.
Core reasons
The primary reason he gave was the “injury‑pain‑rehab” cycle he had been stuck in for about four years, including major shoulder problems, calf and ankle issues, and playing through significant pain. He said this unrelenting cycle took the joy out of football and left him feeling he could not live the life he wanted if he kept playing.
Physical toll
Luck missed the entire 2017 season after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder and struggled with setbacks and lingering weakness during his recovery. On top of that, he dealt with a calf strain, ankle problems, and previous injuries such as a lacerated kidney and torn abdominal muscles, which collectively made him question continuing his career.
Mental and emotional factors
He explained that years of pain and rehab affected his mental state, blurring the line between normal thinking and constantly monitoring his body, and contributing to him falling out of love with playing. He said he felt stuck, could not see a way out other than walking away from football, and that this decision, while the hardest of his life, was what he believed was right for his well‑being and future.
