#Ballard Irsay

[kenttsterling]

Jim Irsay/Chris Ballard comedy skit may have meaning for #Colts! #iubb at NW tonight! #Pacers tank time?

[reportwire]

Jim Irsay: 'It was very obvious' Colts needed upgrade at QB

Jim Irsay: ‘It was very obvious’ Colts needed upgrade at QB

At this point, it seems few high-ranking members of the Indianapolis Colts will fondly remember the single season Carson Wentz spent as the club’s starting quarterback.  Owner Jim Irsay, head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard all elected against verbally committing to Wentz as their QB1 earlier this winter before the Colts shipped the 29-year-old to the Washington Commanders.…

[eagles]

Chris Ballard on Carson Wentz: I don’t have a direct answer for you

In the aftermath of the Colts’ collapse in the final two weeks of the season to fall out of the AFC playoff picture, it was clear that team owner Jim Irsay was particularly displeased. Quarterback Carson Wentz‘s poor late performance was apparently a big part of the issue. Then on Super Bowl Sunday, ESPN’s Chris [more] from Philadelphia Eagles – ProFootballTalk https://ift.tt/TgrMdAy via IFTTT

[tkmedia]

With Carson Wentz injured, it's fair to question Colts' QB depth

6:00 AM ETINDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard knew this would be a possibility. So did coach Frank Reich. Owner Jim Irsay has numerous years of experience dealing with it, including in 2015 with Andrew Luck -- who was the No. 1 draft pick three years prior.And now the Colts are dealing with it yet again: A starting quarterback who has a resume that includes way too many years of injuries.That's what was staring the Colts in their collective face when they acquired Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles last winter.Two complete 16-game seasons in five years in the NFL. That’s it for Wentz.What did the Colts do despite having that information?They didn’t go out and bring in a veteran quarterback with any experience to back Wentz up.And guess what else?Wentz is not dealing with one sprained ankle, he’s dealing with two sprained ankles that knocked him out of Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and leaves his status for Sunday’s road game against the Tennessee Titans (at Nissan Stadium, 1 p.m. ET, CBS) very murky.The Colts are staring at 0-3 for only the third time since 1998. They could be banking on second-year quarterback Jacob Eason to keep that from happening if Wentz is out Sunday.Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz was forced out of Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a pair of sprained ankles. His status for Week 3 is uncertain. Michael Hickey/Getty ImagesHe’s the same Jacob Eason who struggled to distinguish himself from rookie Sam Ehlinger to start while Wentz was dealing with another injury -- left foot surgery -- in training camp.Eason was slow with his progressions and threw every pass with the same fierce velocity of New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman. He’s also the same Jacob Eason who locked in on tight end Jack Doyle, making it easy for Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey to intercept him in the fourth quarter Sunday.• Inside Aaron Rodgers' MNF legacy • St. Brown bros. gather family for MNF • Tannehill-Jones' chemistry heats up • Who spells Fletcher Cox for Eagles? • Tyrod Taylor yields starting role again • How Lamar Jackson made his loudest statement So if Eason does start this weekend and the Colts struggle to win games because of their quarterback play, Irsay, Ballard and Reich will have to look in the mirror because they deserve the brunt of the blame for not addressing quarterback depth in the offseason.“I thought he made really good strides," Ballard said of Eason before the start of the regular season. "Last year, not being able to get him any preseason work and, really, he was the third-string quarterback, so minimal reps all year. But what he got was a Ph.D watching Philip Rivers play the game."You can sit in the meeting room and you can sit in practice, but playing in a game is a whole different level. ... That’s going to be his biggest challenge going forward is to continue to play the game, the game has to get a little slower, and he’s got to play faster."It won’t matter who is playing quarterback for the Colts if the offensive line can’t do a better job protecting up front. The group has lacked continuity.Quenton Nelson missed three weeks of training camp because of foot surgery. He's also currently dealing with a bad back. Center Ryan Kelly missed a couple of weeks with a left elbow injury. Left tackle Eric Fisher made his debut against the Rams, returning from an Achilles tear with the Kansas City Chiefs last season. Right tackle Braden Smith is currently out with a foot injury.The Colts can’t afford to give up six sacks and 21 quarterback hits the way they have the past two games. Those numbers would likely be higher if Wentz wasn't able to avoid the rush by scrambling.“There’s no 'hide' in this league,” Kelly said. “We gotta stop it. There have been too many shots on him.”“His toughness, shoot, all the times he’s gotten hit and all the times he’s gotten up,” Nelson added. “It’s on a different level. He hasn’t complained once.”A struggling offensive line, a second-year quarterback who got his first NFL snaps on the final two drives of the game on Sunday, and the next three games on the road against teams that won at least 10 games last season in the Titans, Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens.Good luck getting by with an inexperienced quarterback if Wentz is out.“He’s had a lot of reps during training camp, and he’s worked hard in just the way he’s interacted in the meetings and the reps that he’s gotten out in practice," Reich said about Eason. "You can see the growth. I can see the growth these last two weeks as he was running scout team. I can see the growth from the way he’s run scout team this year compared to the way he ran it last year. He’s making the right steps.” Read the full article

[techgadgets365]

Colts extend Reich, Ballard deals through 2026 After hinting of a "golden era" in March, Colts owner Jim Irsay has given contract extensions to coach Frank Reich and GM Chris Ballard through the 2026 season, the team announced Wednesday.

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[i-news-day]

Jim Irsay says 'strong likelihood' Anthony Castonzo returns, unsure about Adam Vinatieri

INDIANAPOLIS – As the NFL world converges on Indianapolis for the scouting combine, it seems Colts general manager Chris Ballard will soon be able to cross one gigantic item off his offseason to-do list: find a starting left tackle. During a somewhat ... source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/colts-insider/2020/02/23/jim-irsay-thinks-anthony-castonzo-return-colts-unsure-adam-vinatieri/4851629002/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyHzhmNjA0ZmY0ZDA2NmEyMjM6Y29tLmJyOmVuOlVTOlI&usg=AFQjCNHvn3y7V-gkq49vOT3y8_RzvwKk8g via Blogger https://ift.tt/32lvMx4

[mubal4]

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.” – Matthew 7

 Whoa! Where you headed with the bible quotes?  No worries, this isn’t going to be a religious thing.  I mean, I have shared my faith and belief in God but that isn’t what this forum is about. As I have mentioned many times, we use this to share lessons learned, failures, insecurities, imperfections, vulnerabilities, and stories to help us all improve.  When I get things written out, it helps me process better, clarify things, and reflect on life.  And, my hope is that as I do this, it helps others overcome some things too.  We also have fun here talking about a myriad of things from running, ultras, sports, family, experiences, moments, food, beer, etc. Today we are going to, or should I say, I am going to talk about news that broke on Saturday in the NFL.  

 Yes, football season is upon us and I don’t hide my passion for college ball (PSU) and the Eagles.  All the crazy fans out there, present company included, are getting excited about kickoff of both NCAA & NFL right around the corner 😊.  I typically have a better pulse on college than the NFL but am somewhat aware of the headlines that come across.  No, I am not a fantasy football dude and have never been; those that are, all the power to you because I don’t know how you keep track of it.  I do enjoy an occasional trip to Las Vegas and a day in the sportsbook testing my odds with some beverage to pass the time though 😊.  I also know that this Saturday, as the college football season kicks off, Robin, the girls and I will be partaking in some fun…….NO – I won’t have my children in a Vegas sportsbook………. Yet (21 of course) 😊.

 All the fun aside, like many of those that do follow the NFL, I was incredibly surprised to hear about the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck from the Indianapolis Colts.  At just 29 years old, he was the comeback player of the year last year, after missing the entire 2017 season due to injury.  Last year he led the Colts to the playoffs and had a very good year. He, in my opinion was a top tier QB, a good leader, I believed he was on the path of filling Peyton Manning’s shoes, and he was a good human being.  Now, I say this never meeting him of course but, from what I read, heard, and saw, I think it is a fair assessment.  As this season’s training camp began, he was already battling some injury and had yet to really take the field through camp, not playing in any preseason games. Again, don’t delve too deep into what is happening but had my pulse on things and knew he was battling something, but didn’t think it was going to keep him out of the season.  So, when the news broke on Saturday night, during their preseason game, that he was retired, I was a bit surprised.  

 However, the reaction from Colts fans and various members of the sports world was pretty, well sad.  First off, you had fans booing as he was leaving the field. Before you all start chiming in about bad timing, my understanding was that the club and Andrew Luck had discussed his retirement earlier in the week and it got leaked.  As word spread fast, they felt they should be out in front of it, so they decided to do it when they did.  How much of that is true, no idea but that it what I saw but whatever the case; booing another human being because he no longer wants to play a sport…. because he wants to ensure his quality of life?  Pretty ridiculous.  Yes, I guess I am passing judgment and going against the title of this blog.  It just makes me, I guess feel a bit sad for our culture. The kid is 29, played 6-7 years in the league, and from what I saw, took his share of hits (understatement). There were comments of him being selfish, greedy, and not a good teammate.  Well, this is what the owner, Jim Irsay said:

 "It's a tough thing, look it, he's leaving $450 million on the table potentially," Irsay said. "I mean, a half a billion dollars, and he's saying, 'You know what, I want to have my integrity. I have to be able to look (wide receiver) T.Y. (Hilton) in the eye, look my teammates, look Coach, look (GM) Chris (Ballard) and say, I'm all in,' and he just didn't feel he could do that."

 This is what his teammate, TY Hilton said:

https://twitter.com/TYHilton13/status/1165795311295586305

 And, although I am not a huge fan of him (Cowboys…….), this is what Troy Aiken said in response to a pathetic post by Doug Gottlieb:

https://twitter.com/TroyAikman/status/1165809758806388736

 You can scroll the social media sites and there is tremendous support for Andrew Luck.  There is also vitriol, nastiness, and ignorance.  We live in a misguided, misunderstood, and unempathetic world at times.  I’ve certainly have had my moments of them all and have criticized, judged, and well, hurt people with my words and actions. Maybe some of this will get to Andrew and I am sure most if it he won’t care about.  But my question is, how the hell does anyone know what he is going through, dealing with, and what may have prompted this decision.  We are so quick to judge and condemn before knowing what truly happened.  And, when we do find out we still judge and condemn never having any sympathy for what that person may have endured in this situation.  Do the people that booed him and are pissed off at him for making this decision believe he did it just to spite them? Why are they so pissed off? I heard that season ticket holders are asking for their money back. Did they buy the season tickets just to see Andrew Luck play?  Are they that hurt and disgusted because this one person decided to do what he believes is best for him and his family?  

 Why do we give a shit so much?

 Really don’t know the best way to end this other than those questions.  Yes, we are talking about the NFL and a game.  In the grand scheme of things, it has not impact on my life, our lives.  If that is the case, I refer to the question just above!!  

[kenttsterling]

Jim Irsay's #Colts tweet! Scouting report top four QBs! #iubb last team in ‘24 bracket!

[kansascityhappenings]

Some fans booed Andrew Luck for retiring while the NFL community is showing him lots of love

https://embed-prod.vemba.io/vemba-embed.js

As word spread Saturday night that Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is retiring, some fans booed the four-time Pro Bowler after a preseason game against the Chicago Bears.

But Luck received support from teammates and other NFL players, coaches and owners, who know firsthand the extent of the mental and physical toll a pro football career can bring.

“Andrew Luck will be somebody I tell my kids about. The person & the player. Respect Andrew #LTE,” Colts tight end Eric Ebron tweeted Saturday night.

During his career, Luck suffered a lacerated kidney, a torn abdomen, torn cartilage and a concussion.

Injuries kept Luck, 29, from playing in the preseason, but fans at the game in Indianapolis were clearly upset about the news. Cameras caught one man even taking off his Luck jersey as the game ended.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hear it,” Luck told reporters afterward. “Yeah, it hurt.”

James Irsay, the owner and CEO of the Indianapolis Colts, said at a press conference Saturday, “We have nothing but gratitude and thankfulness for the blood, sweat and tears he spilled as No. 12.”

“Sheesh man, thank you for a great year last year my guy and helping me take my game further by practicing against you day in and day out! I wish you nothing but the best my guy! Out Andrewski!!! It was terrible how the fans booed a man who gave them so much

Much respect, 12” tweeted Colts linebacker Darius Leonard.

“For those people that booed tonight, it’s an emotional time, and I understand that, but this young man has done a lot for the city of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Colts,” General Manager Chris Ballard said.

“You literally had to pinch yourself we had so much fun in every way, but there’s no doubt when you hear [Luck] talk about the cycle of pain and injury and rehab, you could feel that; you could feel it take its toll,” head coach Frank Reich said.

“…. that’s not an easy decision to make and they are booing.. that’s some disrespectful sick sh*t…” former Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Dez Bryant tweeted.

“I think as fans, even as players sometimes, we forget there’s life after this game. I think a guy like Andrew, he’s one of the most dedicated guys,” Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson told Seahawks.com. “This game can take a toll on us physically, but also emotionally, spiritually and everything else. I think he’s demonstrated it with class the whole time he’s gone through everything.”

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees tweeted: “We all loved watching him play. I love watching his film. I like being around him. I wish him the best, whatever that direction is for him.”

“Wow… always enjoyed playing against him since high school! Wish him the best,” tweeted Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

“This is a very rough game. Most people who have not played at this level will never understand what we put our bodies through season after season. We don’t need the sympathy because this is what we signed up for but to ‘boo’ a man that battled for that city is disgraceful,” tweeted Richard Sherman, cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers and Luck’s former teammate at Stanford.

“Taking this time sending my prayers to Andrew luck man y’all don’t know how much we put in for this sport, yes it’s draining but than we love it so much at the same time,” Jacksonville Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette tweeted.

Luck signed a five-year, $122 million contract in 2016, according to spotrac.com. He would have earned a base salary of $9.125 million in 2019 and a roster bonus.

But even leaving that money behind, some supporters still see a bright future ahead for Luck, who has an engineering degree from Stanford University.

“I hope he becomes President of the United States,” Dallas cowboys team owner Jerry Jones told reporters Saturday.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2019/08/25/some-fans-booed-andrew-luck-for-retiring-the-nfl-community-is-showing-him-lots-of-love/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2019/08/25/some-fans-booed-andrew-luck-for-retiring-while-the-nfl-community-is-showing-him-lots-of-love/

[cheap-nfl-tickets]

📢 #Colts GM Chris Ballard says Andrew Luck’s injury is a ‘cumulative thing’. At the start of training camp, Indianapolis Colts quarterback #AndrewLuck was sidelined with a calf #injury, an issue that initially sprung up in April and reared its head again this summer. But apparently, that isn’t the only injury Luck has been dealing with, as Colts owner Jim Irsay revealed earlier this week that Luck had a “small little bone” injury that turned out to be an ankle sprain. #nfltickets #cheaptickets #seasontickets #ticketsonsale #ticketsavailable (at Lucas Oil Stadium) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KVNwOoM8y/?igshid=yk0novmzx7vb

[tkmedia]

Colts lock up coach and GM through to 2026

Head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard sign on at Indianapolis Colts to take them through to 2006; team owner Jim Irsay said: "I really believe that you will see a golden era develop as we go into this decade sitting here in 2021"

Last Updated: 12/08/21 9:37am

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich (centre) with owner Jim Irsay (left) and general manager Chris Ballard Colts head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard have signed contract extensions that keep them in Indianapolis through the 2026 season. Team owner Jim Irsay aligned their contracts and has said this offseason the shared vision between his leaders brings a restored level of excitement to the franchise. "In Chris Ballard and Frank Reich, we have as great a general manager-head coach combination as there is in the NFL, and I can't tell you how proud I am to have them leading our franchise," Irsay said in a statement. "I truly believe this football team is on the doorstep of great things, and that's because of the culture both have cultivated in their time with the Horseshoe."Whether we are marching toward the playoffs or facing adversity, whether we are building our roster or making a difference in the community, we have the ideal leaders in Chris and Frank."Under Reich, the Colts were dealt a blow with the retirement of Andrew Luck and will have a new starting quarterback in 2021.Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz, if healthy, will be the run of starters in Indianapolis. Among Ballard's undeniable hits in the draft are All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson, linebacker Darius Leonard and running back Jonathan Taylor."I really believe that you will see a golden era develop as we go into this decade sitting here in 2021," Irsay said in March. "I believe it with all my heart and soul. There is good reason to believe it. You talk to people around the league and people that know, they are going to agree with what I'm saying when they look at Chris Ballard and Frank Reich and the expectations going into this decade that we have for both of them leading the team."For updates on preseason, be sure to follow along at skysports.com/nfl and on Twitter @SkySportsNFL. Read the full article

[junker-town]

Quenton Nelson fits perfectly with the Colts

In the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft the Colts get an Andrew Luck protector.

Three of the first five picks in the 12th annual SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft have been quarterback. That means for a team like the Indianapolis Colts will have the pick of one of the draft’s top players.

The way this mock draft has played out, North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb is gone. But the Colts could still consider a pass rusher like Harold Landry, a player who might go much higher in the draft than you think.

However, that’s not what Brett Mock of Stampede Blue has in mind for the Colts.

6. Indianapolis Colts: Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame

Mock: While a draft falling this way isn’t ideal for the Colts, and it is possible that General Manager Chris Ballard may look to move down in this scenario, taking the best offensive lineman in the draft at No. 6 will go a long way in helping solidify Indy’s maligned unit. Nelson certainly dominated at the college level at guard but may have position flexibility out to tackle in the NFL. After Andrew Luck missed all of 2017 rehabilitating from shoulder surgery, Jim Irsay and the front office must see clearly just how important it is to invest meaningful resources to protect the face of the franchise.

Analysis: Nelson’s role in the future is going to be fascinating. He’s so talented that you do wonder if he could eventually pull the rare guard-to-tackle move as a pro. Even if he doesn’t, the Colts would have a player who profiles as an All-Pro Team guard. Although the Colts need to add playmakers up front on defense, keeping Luck upright is the first priority for Indianapolis in this draft. Because of that, this is the perfect choice for Indianapolis.

Dan Kadar’s top five players remaining

3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama

4. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

7. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State

9. Vita Vea, DT, Washington

11. Derwin James, S, Florida State

Coming up at 11 a.m. ET is the pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, courtesy of Gil Arcia of Bucs Nation.

[winterolympicssports2018-blog]

Frank Reich agrees to five-year deal to be Indianapolis Colts coach

Click here for More Olympics Updates https://www.winterolympian.com/frank-reich-agrees-to-five-year-deal-to-be-indianapolis-colts-coach/

Frank Reich agrees to five-year deal to be Indianapolis Colts coach

INDIANAPOLIS — Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich has been hired to be the Indianapolis Colts‘ next head coach.

When the six-week coaching search (finally) concluded, Colts general manager Chris Ballard decided against going with a flashy choice.

He will receive a five-year deal, according to a source.

Reich replaces Chuck Pagano as coach after a search that took a few twists and turns. Indianapolis announced that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels had agreed to take the job on Feb. 6 and scheduled an introductory news conference for the next day. McDaniels called Colts general manager Chris Ballard later that evening and reneged on the agreement, saying he decided to stay with New England. Ballard took the blame for the team’s announcing the agreement with McDaniels before he signed the contract.

Ballard, in a news conference the following day, said he wanted “someone that’s 100 percent committed to partnering with us and getting that work done.”

Ballard moved swiftly to make his hire after the McDaniels fiasco. He interviewed Reich, New Orleans assistant head coach and tight ends coach Dan Campbell and Buffalo defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier in a three-day span. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported earlier Sunday that Reich was the favorite for the job.

Reich’s hiring ends a six-week coaching search in which the Colts went from being the first of six teams to fire their head coach to being the last of the six to fill the opening.

“We are extremely excited to announce Frank Reich as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts,” Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay said in a statement. “Frank has all the ingredients of a successful head coach: intelligence, innovation, character, organizational and leadership skills and a commanding presence. He also has a stellar reputation, and his myriad of life experiences and the people he has worked with make him the perfect fit for us and our fans. I feel extremely fortunate and could not be more excited for Colts Nation and the future of our franchise.”

The Colts had fun with the signing, first tweeting out a photo of Reich inking his deal, then following up with another photo of Irsay and Reich, with Reich holding a copy of Sunday’s Indianapolis Star as proof he signed his contract that day.

👀 pic.twitter.com/MKQoF2CpWF

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 11, 2018

Since you guys got jokes! pic.twitter.com/qfA7muSwbx

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 11, 2018

Reich, 56, spent the past two seasons in Philadelphia helping the Eagles’ offense, led by quarterbacks Carson Wentz and (after Week 14) Nick Foles, improve from 22nd to seventh in the NFL this season.

“Frank is a tremendous coach and very deserving of this opportunity. He was a valuable member of our staff, and we have all benefited from working with him over the last two years,” Eagles coach Doug Pederson said in a statement. “As good as he is as a leader and teacher, he’s an even better person. We could not be more excited for him as he takes this next step in his career, and we wish him and his family all the best.”

Reich, who didn’t call plays with the Eagles, began his coaching career as an offensive staff assistant with former Colts coach Jim Caldwell in 2008 after retiring from playing 10 years earlier. Reich was Peyton Manning’s quarterbacks coach in 2009 and ’10 before coaching Reggie Wayne and the rest of the receivers in 2011. He also served as receivers coach in Arizona and offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach with the San Diego Chargers.

The Colts are coming off a 4-12 season and have missed the playoffs in each of the past three years. The Colts will have about $85 million in salary-cap space and the No. 3 overall pick in the April draft. The key for the Colts, though, will be the health of quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck missed all of last season after having right shoulder surgery in January 2017. Luck, who has not thrown a football since the middle of October, is currently in southern California working with a throwing expert.

“He has not picked up a football, but he is throwing balls, working on arm speed,” Ballard said on Feb. 7. “He’s not going to skip a step. I don’t know if you know Andrew, but Andrew is not going to skip a step. He’s going to do everything right to get himself ready to play, and I’m very confident, he’s very confident, that he’s going to come back and prove a lot of people wrong. I’m very proud of the kid — wouldn’t want anybody else on our team. We want our team to match what he has inside.”

The NFL Network first reported the agreement on a five-year deal.

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[englishcriccaptain-blog]

Chris Ballard, Jim Irsay discuss Andrew Luck's progress as Colts win preseason finale

Chris Ballard, Jim Irsay discuss Andrew Luck’s progress as Colts win preseason finale

CLOSE

IndyStar Colts Insiders Stephen Holder and Zak Keefer take a closer look at Indy’s roster and the tough decisions looming for Chris Ballard and Chuck Pagano. IndyStar Sports

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) on the sidelines in the first half of their preseason NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium Sunday afternoon, August 13, 2017.(Photo: Matt…

[kenttsterling]

Drafting Anthony Richardson would be mistake for #Colts! Chris Holtmann spnaks Furious Fran McCaffery! #Pacers tonight vs. Rockets!

[viraljournalist]

Luck retires, calls decision 'hardest of my life'

New Post has been published on https://viraljournalist.com/luck-retires-calls-decision-hardest-of-my-life/

Luck retires, calls decision 'hardest of my life'

INDIANAPOLIS — In a shocking development Saturday night, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck announced his retirement from the NFL, saying constant injuries have taken away his love for the game.

Luck, who turns 30 on Sept. 12, had met with Colts owner Jim Irsay earlier to tell him of the decision.

The Colts played their third preseason game Saturday night in Indianapolis against the Chicago Bears. Luck already had been ruled out of the game due to an ankle injury, but he was seen on the sideline, laughing and conversing with teammates.

2 Related

After the game, Luck announced the retirement decision during an impromptu, 25-minute news conference. He said an official announcement wasn’t planned until Sunday afternoon, but he changed course once news broke during the preseason game.

“I’ve been stuck in this process,” Luck said, stopping several times to gather his emotions. “I haven’t been able to live the life I want to live. It’s taken the joy out of this game … the only way forward for me is to remove myself from football.

“This is not an easy decision. It’s the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me.”

Luck’s early retirement ends what started as a promising career for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft, chosen to replace Peyton Manning. Luck led the Colts to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, including back-to-back AFC South titles and the AFC Championship Game in 2014.

But his career took a bad turn when he suffered a shoulder injury in Week 3 of the 2015 season. He ended up missing 26 games — including the entire 2017 season — due to shoulder, kidney and rib injuries. It was during the 2017 season while out that Luck questioned whether he would be able to continue his career.

But Luck returned in a big way last season.

It was supposed to be just a regular Saturday night in the preseason. But then Andrew Luck announced his retirement, sending shock waves across the league. A look at how some of the QBs whose teams played Saturday night reacted to the news: Deshaun Watson: “It was mind-blowing. It was something that of course caught everyone off guard. But, hey, he can control his own future. He’s a great player. He’s a great quarterback. One of the top five quarterbacks in the league. And he’s doing it for the right reasons. For himself.” Drew Brees: “I think I’m probably like everybody else. A bit surprised and stunned, too. We heard it when we were on the sideline, actually — somebody had gotten wind of it during the game. Listen, Andrew’s a friend. I’ll exchange text messages with him from time to time. So I’ll be reaching out to him to check on him.” Dak Prescott: “I mean helluva player, helluva player. Helluva guy the little bit I know of him being able to talk to him before a game and sharing a little bit of things. … So respect his decision, wish him the best. Just know that he was one of my favorite players to watch around the league and learn little things from. Hate to see a great player like that leave the game, but like I said, don’t know the details, don’t want to speak on that. I’m not entitled to an opinion on that.” Patrick Mahomes: “Knowing Andrew, he’s a great football player, but he’s also a great human being. I haven’t seen the full [scope] of the news, but I know he’s going to make the right decision for himself and his family.”

He threw for 4,593 yards and 39 touchdowns to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year and lead the Colts back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 season, showing he remained one of the top quarterbacks in the league.

But injury hit Luck again earlier this year when he suffered a calf strain that kept him out of the team’s offseason activities and minicamp. Luck took part in only three days of training camp — none as a full participant — before it was announced that he was shutting it down because he had difficulty moving in the pocket.

“I’m in pain; I’m still in pain,” he said. “It’s been four years of this pain, rehab cycle. It’s a myriad of issues — calf strain, posterior ankle impingement, high ankle sprain. Part of my journey going forward will be figuring out how to feel better.”

Luck told reporters Saturday night that he first started thinking about retirement two weeks ago, and general manager Chris Ballard said the sides started discussing the potential decision early last week.

“It was Monday,” Ballard said. “We all sat down and had a talk and continued through the week. Emotional talks on our parts. Not any negative emotional talks. Just some real honest talks. But did not get a sense. I watched Andrew go through the shoulder, his routine and how he rehabbed and worked through things. He was going through the same process all the way from when he walked in the building. He came in Monday and started working through this.”

It’s stunning news for a Colts team that went to the second round of the playoffs last season and that, in the eyes of many, had a Super Bowl-caliber roster in 2019.

“It’s very difficult,” Luck said. “I love this team, I love my teammates.”

Luck finishes his career with 2,000 completions, 3,290 attempts, 23,671 yards, 171 touchdowns and 83 interceptions. But some Colts fans seemed to forget those numbers, instead booing him as he walked off the field following Saturday’s game.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hear it,” Luck said of the boos. “Yeah, it hurt.”

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Colts fans react with a wide range of emotions after Andrew Luck’s retirement becomes public, including boos for Luck as he leaves the field.

Now, the Colts will turn to Jacoby Brissett, the 26-year-old quarterback acquired from the New England Patriots in 2017.

With Luck dealing with a variety of injuries in 2017, Brissett started 15 games for Indy, throwing for 3,098 yards, with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Colts posted a 4-11 record in Brissett’s 15 starts, and he ranked 27th out of 30 qualified quarterbacks with a 43.3 Total QBR and 30th out of 32 qualified QBs with a 58.8% completion percentage.

171: Career passing TDs, the most of any player not to play a game after his 30th birthday. 86: Number of games he played in the NFL out of a possible 112 (he missed 16 in 2017 due to shoulder; 1 in ’16 due to concussion; 7 in ’15 due to kidney; 2 in ’15 due to shoulder) 39: TD passes last season, most by any QB in NFL history after not playing previous season 33: Wins in his first three seasons, tied for the second most by a QB in their first three seasons during the Super Bowl era (Russell Wilson 36; Dan Marino and Matt Ryan 33) 19.6: Average fantasy points since entering league in 2012, third-most PPG among QBs during that span 3: Luck’s ranks in Colts’ all-time history in pass yards (23,671), pass TDs (171), completions (2,000) and QB wins (53) —ESPN Stats & Information

But Luck, Ballard, Irsay and coach Frank Reich all threw their support behind Brissett with the regular season two weeks away.

“We’ve got a good football team. This is a good football team,” Ballard said. “We are young. We are good on both fronts. We have some good skill players. And a good young quarterback. We are not going to ask Jacoby Brissett to be Andrew Luck. Andrew Luck was a unique, unique player. But Jacoby Brissett is a winning football player in this league and, I think you heard what Andrew said, Jacoby Brissett is a rare, rare leader. He is. He’s a rare human being, man. That locker room loves Jacoby Brissett.”

Sportsbooks reacted quickly to the Luck news, taking the point spread on the Colts’ Week 1 road game at the Chargers off the board and lengthening Indianapolis’ odds to win the Super Bowl, the AFC and the AFC South.

The Colts had been four-point underdogs to the Chargers. Caesars Sportsbook moved Indianapolis’ Super Bowl odds from 12-1 to 30-1, its AFC odds from 7-1 to 15-1, and its AFC South odds from -135 to +210.

But that mattered little to the Colts on a franchise-changing night.

“We have nothing but gratitude and thankfulness for the blood, sweat and tears he spilled as No. 12,” Irsay said. “Part of our heart is broken tonight. We know we must go forward.”

Information from ESPN’s David Purdum and Adam Schefter was used in this report.

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