I don’t blame Andrew Luck for retiring. Yes, I’m still shocked, but when I put myself in his shoes, I begin to comprehend his decision.
Think about it. His entire life revolved around football. He played high school football in Texas, finished second in the Heisman voting twice, and came into the NFL with gigantic expectations. But football was not forgiving towards him.
In six NFL seasons, Luck felt more than a lifetime of pain. He tore cartilage in two ribs, partially tore his abdomen, suffered a lacerated kidney, had at least one concussion, tore his labrum in his throwing shoulder, and is currently suffering from a leg injury that we know little about.
These injuries are not your typical dents in an NFL football player. His lacerated kidney left him peeing blood. Players are more aware of the long term effects of concussions, and his torn labrum forced him to miss a year.
As someone who played tackle football, a sprained finger and a couple big bruises were enough for me to reconsider playing. I can’t even fathom the level of injuries Luck faced. Almost unanimously those who’ve played in the NFL agree that Luck is the most beat up player since his arrival.
Even so, many criticize the former top pick for turning away $60 million over the next three years. But can money buy happiness?
I spent this entire summer working in the woods of Montana. I could’ve lived at home with the local country club five minutes away, which comes with air conditioning, television, and home-cooked meals. Instead, I lived without phone service or television in a small, dirty cabin in the sweltering heat.
With little money, I was the happiest I’ve ever been. It was the best summer of my life.
Maybe Luck wants a similar lifestyle. He’s indicated that he wants to be a high school teacher—a job where he’ll have his summers free to raise a family.
Luck’s already made almost $100 million over his career. Luck also famously used a flip phone. Long story short, I’m sure he has a lot of money he’s saved or invested. If he wants to be a teacher, it’s because he wants to bring good for others—not because he needs money.
If I was in Luck’s shoes, I’d make the same decision. The former quarterback is doing the most courageous thing any person can do, choosing his future and happiness over pain and money.
I applaud you, Andrew.
Comments
going to teach high school???
i didn’t catch that. well, there goes my fantasy of him assuming a coaching position at stanford.
By hutre67 on 08.31.19 8:21am
I Do Not See Him Coming Back To Football (In Any Capacity)
He does not need to be close to the game to justify his own self worth. I expect that he will disappear for several years, and focus on just being with his wife and prospective family. Teaching high school, to me, is really just a euphemism for doing something lower key that makes him feel good and might help out the world a bit. I don’t see him as being on a mission in this regard, just will do stuff that makes him happy.
Too many people have zero capacity for defining themselves away from their career. Their self worth and self image becomes inextricably tied up with their job. Money is also often a factor. Andrew has NONE of these issues!
@charliefoy……………Glad you enjoyed your summer in Montana. Good decision too!
By hoyaparanoia on 08.31.19 8:40am
Excellent post.
This is a guy who sees the world as an opportunity. One of very few sports stars who really deserves the admiration, IMO…
By Plan Man on 08.31.19 3:52pm
job
"Too many people have zero capacity for defining themselves away from their career. Their self worth and self image becomes inextricably tied up with their job."
i really, really, strongly believe that stanford alums are much better at this than are (say) ivy league graduates, which is why i tend to respect them (the latter) less. i’ve had ivy league-alum bosses in the past tell me i’m not ambitious enough. well, sorry that i made the decision at age 22 to not dedicate my life to the rat race :rolleyes: . i think stanfordites tend to pursue passion, which may motivate their choice of career; whereas ivy leaguers tend to choose their rat race job in finance with some blind concern for money and/or status.
By hutre67 on 09.01.19 7:16pm
My gut says he's not done.
I fully understand his leaving and support it but I also know just what a fierce competitor he is. Maybe he takes that competition into some other field, but my guess is that he isn’t going to feel like he left on his own terms. Just a hunch, but either way I am fine with whatever he does and thank him for all he’s given us.
By drkato9 on 09.01.19 12:07pm