It's time for readers to say goodbye to Capt. Andrew Luck.
The anonymous creator behind the parody account that has chronicled now-retired Colts quarterback Andrew Luck in Civil War-era themed tweets for almost four years penned a "heartfelt thank you" and "fond farewell" Wednesday to his "mighty unit" of more than 542,000 followers.
Dearest friends —
— Capt. Andrew Luck (@CaptAndrewLuck) August 28, 2019
A heartfelt thank you. And a fond farewell.
— Andrew https://t.co/vReoCytpJw
"We lost battles. We won battles. But we did it all together: one mighty unit," the essay read, in part. "While true I shall not be on the field with you physically, henceforth my spirit will always take the form of a Colt. And it will be with you as you hopefully make your triumphant march to Bowl Valley.
"Allow me to leave you with this: Never have I seen such talent, courage and determination in the eyes of those around me. My resolve was strong because my belief in my unit’s abilities was unwavering.
"You soldiers, your unit, is greater than the sum of its parts. Each one of you has the fearlessness, heart and grit to make a difference on the field. Yet, the group working as one wins the battle."
The captain had declined to reveal his identity Sunday as he wrote to his mother to say he was holstering his sidearm permanently, a decision that came one day after Luck announced he was ending his seven-year career and retiring from the NFL at age 29.
"I shall battle no more," the tweet read. "I must be true to myself."
Dearest mother —
— Capt. Andrew Luck (@CaptAndrewLuck) August 25, 2019
The quill has never felt more heavy. I have made the decision to holster my sidearm permanently. I shall battle no more. The decision is difficult, but, as the hogs taught me, I must be true to myself. I am coming home to care for you and the farm.
— Andrew
The entire farewell essay can be read here.