Indianapolis Colts

Colts owner Jim Irsay on potential Andrew Luck return: ‘I think that door’s closed’

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Despite the quarterback uncertainty for the Indianapolis Colts beyond this season, team owner Jim Irsay doesn’t expect to see the team’s former signal-caller Andrew Luck play for the team again.

Irsay spoke to NFL Media and was asked about whether he expects to see Luck return after the his abrupt retirement during the 2019 preseason.

“You know, I don’t think so — I really don’t,” Irsay said Tuesday. “I think that door’s closed.”

That uncertainty behind center for the Colts is because veteran Philip Rivers is 39 and on a one-year deal that expires after the season. He’s also facing offseason foot surgery. In addition, Rivers’ backup, Jacoby Brissett, will also be a free agent.

Luck, the top overall pick in the 2012 draft, retired after dealing with a four-year string of injuries that included shoulder trouble, fractured ribs, a kidney laceration and an ankle injury.

When Luck retired, Irsay hinted that he could return at some point, but has largely moved on from such expectations.

“I mean, anything’s possible, and he’s still friends with the organization, and we all still have contact with him,” Irsay said. “Some of the guys, like (left tackle) Anthony Castonzo or T.Y. [Hilton] know a lot more than some of the newer guys. But look, he was a great player and everyone has to go down the path they think is right for them and their family, and you always respect that.

 

“So, I love Andrew, I wish him well. He’s raising his daughter, Lucy, and I just hope for him to have an incredible life and that sort of thing. But I don’t see it coming back around. If it did, then great, that’d be a great story. You know, [Michael] Jordan was gone for two years and then back.

 

“But it seems a lot longer. I can’t personally believe that it’s only a year and a half ago that it happened. I mean, it seems like five years ago, it really does … a long time ago. So I don’t really see that being a possibility, but you never know.”

Now at the age of 31 and the married father of a one-year-old daughter, Luck has given no indication that he’s even thinking of a comeback with the Colts.

Irsay isn’t the only member of the Colts organization who doesn’t see a Luck comeback happening, with Hilton essentially saying the same thing.

“Coming back? I don’t know. He’s pretty happy in retirement life. He’s just enjoying it and enjoying it with his daughter, Lucy,” Hilton said.

 

“I don’t think we will (see him). He’s just enjoying himself. I’m happy for him.”

The Colts and Tennessee Titans are currently deadlocked for the division lead in the AFC South with 8-4 records and four games left to play, respectively.

Brad Sullivan

Brad has written on a variety of both NBA and NFL topics and has worked previously as a sports information director at the collegiate level. A lifetime fan of sports, he's witnessed countless great moments in different sports and understands that stories can be compelling from both the perspective of winners and losers. As a frustrated fan of Cleveland sports, he experienced something unprecedented when the Cavaliers won the city's first championship in 52 years.

Published by
Brad Sullivan

Recent Posts

Chandler Parsons: Jaylen Brown would be best player on over half of NBA teams, including some playoff teams

The Boston Celtics were without maybe their top player for Wednesday's Game 2 versus the…

2 hours ago

‘Spo gonna Spo’: Cavs player gives Erik Spoelstra his flowers after Heat’s near-upset in Game 2

The odds were stacked against the Miami Heat to pick up a win in Game…

3 hours ago

Report: Will Campbell landing with Patriots may depend on whether team gets ‘fair deal’ to trade down

As a consolation prize for a woeful 2024 season that was marred by losing, the…

4 hours ago

Report: ‘Most of the league’ has been contacted about Jalen Ramsey, including Rams, Lions and Eagles

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is one of the more notable players in the league…

5 hours ago

Report: Rival teams project Blazers as team to monitor for potential trades this offseason

The Portland Trail Blazers are watching the 2025 NBA Playoffs from home after they finished…

17 hours ago

NFC executive praises Shedeur Sanders’ ability to make difficult throws: ‘He’s got probably the best collection of those’

Former University of Colorado Boulder star quarterback Shedeur Sanders is projected by some to be…

17 hours ago