Andrew Luck Breaks His Silence on Retirement, the Infamous Colts Banner, and Life Beyond Football

Andrew Luck remains one of the most intriguing figures in recent NFL history. From his stunning retirement to his flip phone days, Luck has always followed his own path. Recently, the former Colts quarterback sat down with the “Pardon My Take” podcast, opening up about his career, the infamous Colts banner, and his new role in football. Let’s dive into the latest chapter of Andrew Luck’s life.

The Banner That Became a Meme

If you’ve followed the Indianapolis Colts, you probably remember the infamous banner celebrating their AFC Championship appearance after the 2014 season. The Colts made it that far, only to be dominated by the New England Patriots—a game that later sparked the “Deflategate” controversy.

Fans mocked the banner mercilessly, questioning why a team would celebrate a game they lost in such brutal fashion. Colts owner Jim Irsay eventually had it taken down, gifting it to the producers of “Pardon My Take,” who are also Colts season ticket holders.

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When Andrew Luck joined the podcast, he was asked about the banner’s legacy. His response? A shrug. “I didn’t pay one bit of attention when it was hung up or taken down,” Luck admitted. That’s peak Andrew Luck—never one for distractions, always locked into his own world.

But in a hilarious twist, he went ahead and signed the banner anyway, making it an even greater piece of Colts memorabilia.

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Andrew Luck on Being an NFL Quarterback

Andrew Luck, now 35 years old (as of 2025), was always known for his intense approach to football. When asked about playing quarterback in the NFL, he explained the mindset required to succeed.

“When I go on the field as a quarterback, you cannot leave any room for doubt,” he said. “You have to go out there thinking you’re God’s gift. It is an intense level of confidence.”

However, he also acknowledged that this single-minded focus made it difficult to tend to life outside of football. While he never ruined relationships, he admitted he could have done a better job maintaining balance. That level of honesty is rare from former athletes, but it’s why Luck remains such a fascinating figure.

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The Moment He Knew His Retirement Was Out

One of the biggest sports bombshells of the past decade was Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news during a preseason game, stunning Colts fans—and Luck himself.

“I felt the cameras turn on me,” he recalled. “There was such certainty that something had happened. I knew, ‘Oh, (expletive), it’s out.’”

Luck stood quietly near the offensive line for the rest of the game, knowing the inevitable wave of reactions was coming. As he walked off the field, some Colts fans booed—a heartbreaking moment for a player who had given everything to the team. Despite the shock, Luck has remained at peace with his decision.

Life After the NFL: What’s Andrew Luck Doing Now?

Since leaving football, Andrew Luck has lived a quieter life. Unlike many retired athletes, he’s avoided the spotlight, focusing on family and personal interests. Luck is married to Nicole Pechanec, his longtime partner from Stanford, and they share a daughter together.

Financially, Luck is set for life. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $40 million. He earned over $97 million in salary alone during his playing career, not including endorsements from brands like Nike and BodyArmor. Though he could have made hundreds of millions more if he had continued playing, Luck famously walked away from the game without looking back.

His latest venture? Luck has returned to Stanford football—not as a coach, but as the program’s General Manager. It’s a role that allows him to stay involved in the sport while maintaining the balance he lacked as a player.

Andrew Luck’s Tiger Woods Story

Andrew Luck also shared an amusing Tiger Woods anecdote. Former Stanford coach David Shaw once told him a story about seeing someone swinging a golf club outside a dorm in the rain. Naturally, it was Tiger Woods.

When Shaw asked why he was practicing in the rain, Woods simply responded: “It doesn’t rain enough here. I need to practice in the rain.”

Luck loved the story, seeing it as a perfect example of the dedication required to be great. He always admired that level of commitment but also realized that he had to prioritize his well-being in ways that others, like Woods, never did.

Andrew Luck’s Evolved Perspective

While Luck remains one of the most unique figures in NFL history, his post-football life seems to be exactly what he wanted. He’s not chasing TV gigs or making dramatic comeback announcements. Instead, he’s living life on his own terms, just like he always has.

Now that he’s returned to Stanford in a leadership role, it’s clear that football will always be a part of his life. But he’s doing it his way—without the weight of NFL expectations dragging him down.

Andrew Luck’s story isn’t just about football. It’s about self-awareness, balance, and knowing when to walk away. And in a sports world that often prioritizes toughness over everything, that makes his journey all the more fascinating.

What do you think of Andrew Luck’s post-NFL journey? Let us know in the comments!