Colts' Irsay won't rule out Luck returning from retirement
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay paid tribute to Andrew Luck following the quarterback's stunning retirement on Saturday, but he also left the door open for the star pivot to change his mind.
"I don't rule it out," said Irsay, according to Nate Newell of the Indianapolis Star. "As mysterious as it came upon us it could leave the same way."
#Colts owner Jim Irsay references Michael Jordan’s comeback as well as Tiger Woods winning The Masters this year. Notes Andrew Luck will only be 30 years old next year. Says he has to “find his way.” Clearly Irsay is hoping this isn’t the end for Luck.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 25, 2019
Alongside head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard, an emotional Irsay said Luck's decision to walk away from football just before the Pro Bowler's 30th birthday broke his heart.
"We have nothing but gratitude for him going to battle for us," said Irsay, according to Anne Marie Tiernon of WTHR.
Luck has battled a calf injury for the past few months, and Ballard revealed the signal-caller first suffered a "ding" last season, according to Kevin Bowen of 1075 The Fan. The ailment then became an issue while Luck was visiting Europe during the offseason.
"You know what was frustrating? He was so excited at the end of the year," said Ballard. "Going into the offseason healthy, feeling good, team's going to get better and it didn't play out that way."
Without Luck, Indy will turn to Jacoby Brissett as its starting quarterback. Ballard said he's confident in Brissett's ability to step up.
"That locker room loves Jacoby Brissett," said Ballard. "This is a special guy."