Colts get back to 'Run the Damn Ball' behind Taylor

Why did Andrew Luck quit the NFL? He explains his decision in emotional news conference.

Joel A. Erickson and Jim Ayello | IndyStar

Matt Kryger, IndyStar

INDIANAPOLIS — Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is retiring from the NFL.

"I'm going to retire, this is not an easy decision," Luck said after the Colts' preseason loss to the Bears on Saturday. "This is the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me."

Luck fought back tears as he explained his decision. "(The injuries have) taken my joy of this game away. I've been stuck in this process haven't been able to live the life I want to live. After 2016, I played in pain and was unable to practice, I said I wouldn't go through that again.

"It's sad but I also have a lot of clarity in this. Difficult process. My wife, family, friends, Chris Ballard, Mr. Irsay, Frank Reich have been incredibly supportive. Thankful for them."

"Part of our heart is broken," Colts owner Jim Irsay said following Luck's announcement.

Luck was at Saturday night’s preseason game against the Bears, on the field in the pregame and talking to tight end Jack Doyle. He was booed as he walked off the Lucas Oil Stadium field for the final time.

"I'd be lying if I said I didn't hear the reaction. It hurt," he said.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard joined Irsay and Frank Reich after Luck's announcement and addressed the fans' reaction:

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"For those people that booed tonight, it's an emotional time, I understand this," Ballard said. "But this young man has done a lot for the city of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Colts. No one died and we'll keep moving forward. We'll make this city proud."

Matt Kryger/IndyStar

Luck, the 29-year-old who was the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year last season, has been battling an injury to his left leg, an injury that was initially described as a calf strain and described as a high ankle issue. No indication has been given that Luck was contemplating retirement.

Luck said after Saturday's game that this wasn't a decision he came to waking up Saturday morning, but something he's been mulling for "week-and-a-half, two weeks, a little bit fast and furious" because of his lack of recovery from ankle/calf injury.

"Monday we all sat down and had a talk," Ballard said. "Continued through the week. Some emotional talks on all parts. Not any negative emotional talks. Just some real talks."

The Colts will enter the season as Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback.

“Jacoby Brissett is an awesome dude, he’s got a bright future," Luck said. "I cannot wait to support him and watch him lead this team."

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Ballard reiterated he believes the Colts have a good football team and trusts Brissett to lead the team.

"We're not going to ask Jacoby Brissett to be Andrew Luck," Ballard said. "Jacoby Brissett is a rare, rare leader. He is. He’s a rare human being."

Luck also spoke fondly of making a life in Indianapolis.

"It was an honor to represent city of Indianapolis on and off the field," Luck said postgame Saturday. "So grateful to have been drafted here. Can't fathom another owner how loves his team as much as (Irsay does)...

"This has been an incredible place to make a home and grow. This city will always hold a special place in my heart."

In his closing remarks before taking reporters' questions, Luck broke down and choked up.

Luck choking up as he thanks family. pic.twitter.com/pzsr9VJ3k4 — Jim Ayello (@jimayello) August 25, 2019

Luck thanks Chuck Pagano, former Colts teammates, singles out his “football hero” Robert Mathis, Reggie Wayne, Joe Reitz, Jack Mewhort, Clyde Christensen, mentions all the QBs, including Matt Hasselbeck — Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 25, 2019

Says it’s so difficult to walk away from the current team. Talks about how much he loves the men in the locker room. Thanks Ballard, Frank Reich, — Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 25, 2019