Getty Image / Scott Taetsch
Prior to acquiring Cason Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Commaners reportedly attempted to coax former Colts Pro Bowl QB Andrew Luck out of retirement.
According to a new report from ESPN — which, ironically, is largely about the team’s newfound commitment to signal caller Sam Howell — before striking their ultimately ill-fated deal for Wentz, Washington asked the Colts about the availability of Luck, who retired prior to the start of the 2019 season.
They even phoned about retired Andrew Luck, just in case. They ultimately traded two third-round picks to Indianapolis for Carson Wentz and his $28 million cap hit. Then, they cut Wentz at season’s end after injuries and inconsistent play contributed to him finishing 30th in QBR after just eight starts.
Drafted by the Colts as the number one overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Luck — a University of Stanford product — was one of the most highly-touted quarterback prospects of all time.
Luck ultimately lived up to the hype, as h was a four-time Pro Bowler and led the NFL in touchdown passes in 2014. Unfortunately for Luck and the Colts, though, his career was marred by injury, which actually led to him being named Comeback Player of the Year in 2018.
Following his comeback season in 2018, however, Luck surprisingly decided to announce his retirement in August 2019, just seven seasons into his career.
“I’ve been stuck in this process [of rehabbing injuries]. I haven’t been able to live the life I want to live,” Luck said when announcing his retirement.
“It’s taken the joy out of this game. The only way forward for me is to remove myself from football. This is not an easy decision. It’s the hardest decision of my life. But it is the right decision for me”
And still, despite those devastating quotes from Luck, the Commanders, of all teams, still thought they’d take a swing at getting him back on the football field.