Andrew Luck: 'A Part of My Identity Died' After Announcing NFL Retirement in 2019

Andrew Luck shocked the NFL world when he decided to retire just six seasons into his career at the age of 29.

On the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday, Luck reflected on the abrupt decision. Patrick asked him whether he considered himself to be a football player or a guy who was really good at football, and he gave an insightful answer.

"When I retired from the NFL, and I think I've noticed talking to other folks who have retired, I think no matter whatever the circumstances, it's difficult. Whether it's after college, after a short career or after a long career, it's a difficult and challenging process. There was a grieving period, and a grieving period because a part of my identity died, and that part of me was a football player, and that was a huge, huge part of me. Certainly, I was more than just a football player, just like everybody out there ... Of course, life goes on and daughters and family and other things begin to fill that void, but you have to fill that void with something positive."

Luck was on his way to an outstanding NFL career when he retired. He had 23,671 passing yards and 171 touchdowns and was in the middle of his prime. Ultimately he decided to prioritize his health and his family over football.

But now Luck has found his way back into the football world. Over the weekend, it was revealed that Luck accepted a newly created role at Stanford as the program's general manager.

Luck, a standout at Stanford in college, will be over the entire football program, managing things like staff, recruiting and more while also handling aspects of business like fundraising, sponsorships, attendance and more.

"I'm excited," Luck told ESPN's Pete Thamel. "I think Stanford is taking an assertive and innovative step. We're undoubtedly the best athletic department in college sports. We have to re-prove it in football, and we're excited to be part of that challenge."