Andrew Luck's shocking retirement Saturday left Colts fans feeling discouraged and even prompted some to boo the quarterback off the field after the team's preseason game that night.
But Colts coach Frank Reich assured everyone on Monday that Luck did not let down his team or teammates by deciding to retire at age 29 after injuries robbed his love of the game.
"No," Reich told reporters at his Monday press conference. "It requires a total commitment of the heart. He did the right thing. He did the courageous thing and the honorable thing."
Colts coach Frank Reich details what he and GM Chris Ballard said to the team in this morning’s meeting. Went on to say he thinks Andrew Luck did “the courageous thing”. pic.twitter.com/yIc7TMBan4
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 26, 2019
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Luck cited his struggle with several injuries, pain and almost constant rehab over the past four seasons as reasons for calling it a career, a move that instantly bolstered backup Jacoby Brissett on the depth chart, though the team has yet to make the move official.
"We have not had that deep down heart to heart about the upcoming season just yet," Reich said. "That will probably happen in the next day or two."
Nonetheless, Reich said the team will soon determine whether Chad Kelly or Phillip Walker will be Brissett's backup.
"Everyone makes a unique contribution on this team, yet everyone is replaceable," Reich said. "On the one hand, we can respect and honor the player Luck was, but we can have excitement and enthusiasm about this team."
The Colts are slated to play the Bengals in their final exhibition game Thursday before opening the regular season against the Chargers on Sept. 8.