Michigan football: Former Wolverines defend Andrew Luck retirement

Three former Michigan football players appeared on social media and on a talk show to defend Andrew Luck’s decision to retire after he was booed off the field by Colts fans.

Andrew Luck might be one of the greatest quarterbacks never to complete his career. At 29-years-young, Andrew has faced and fought through the kinds of injuries that it takes others a lifetime to suffer, and he finally had enough. And one of Michigan football‘s best supports him.

“For the last four years or so, I have been in this cycle of injury, pain, rehab, and it’s been unceasing and unrelenting,” Luck said in a press conference following the Colts preseason game against the Chicago Bears.

That never-ending cycle of pain has, according to Andrew, “taken my joy of this game away,” and Luch had enough, he said he’s finally choosing his life over the football life.

Some of the members of the media went online to bash the young star, like Doug Gottlieb. Yes, the same Gottlieb that was kicked out of Notre Dame as a freshman for being a thief.

“Retiring cause rehabbing is “too hard” is the most millennial thing ever #AndrewLuck,” Gottlieb Tweeted.

While the wannabe professional athletes attack, real NFL Stars took to social media to defend Luck’s early and unexpected retirement from the game.

“I seriously thought about retiring after year 8. After a series of phone calls to close family and friends I decided to press on,” Michigan football great Charles Woodson Tweeted. “This game can weigh on you heavily. I made the best decision for me and Luck has made the best for him! #Respect #igetit”

Jake Butt is another Wolverine that expressed empathy for Luck and his family. Jake entered the NFL with an ACL tear, and after playing just three games, Jake again suffered an ACL tear.

“The mental aspect of injuries is the hardest part to deal with for most athletes. We’re used to and can handle physical pain,” Butt said in a Tweet, “but when you do everything right trying to get back and still have to deal with pain and setbacks it can weigh heavy on your body and mind. Respect to you Andrew luck. Many blessings to you as you start this next chapter in your life.”

Finally, Tom Brady, the guy who has every right to insult a retiring 29-year-old NFL quarterback, went on the Greg Hill Show and had this to say about Luck.

"“It is his life. Everyone has the right to choose what they want to do. He had a great career and he was a great player. Everybody wishes they could be healthy all the time. It is a contact sport and he’s certainly had his fair share of injuries, so guys retire at different times. Some at the end of the season, and I have seen a lot of guys retire before the season gets going and this is just one of those examples.”"

Once the retirement was announced, sadly, the Colts fans turned on one of the greatest Colts to ever play the game. It shouldn’t be this way for a four-time Pro Bowler but, hopefully, with time, the fans will accept it and give Andrew the praise and recognition he deserves.

Fantastic career

In over six seasons with the Colts, Luck threw for 23,671 yards, 171 touchdowns, and 83 interceptions. He holds several NFL passing records and earned almost all rookie quarterback records for the Colts.

In college, under the tutelage of then-Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh, Luck accounted for almost 10,000 yards through the air, 82 touchdowns, and just 22 interceptions over his three years.