Andrew Luck disputes ex-Colts teammate's claim that GM Chris Ballard forced early retirement
Why it matters: The Colts have struggled at quarterback since Luck's 2019 retirement, making only one playoff trip in five seasons.
- Andrew Luck disputes former teammate Eric Ebron's claim that Colts GM Chris Ballard forced his early retirement, stating their partnership was "wonderful" and any notion of internal pressure is "without merit."
- Eric Ebron, Luck's former teammate, claims on his "On My Soul" podcast that Ballard told Luck, "You're either playing this year or we're moving on," after Luck expressed being tired of injuries and unwilling to have surgery.
- Luck retired in 2019 at age 29 after seven NFL seasons, citing the physical and mental toll of injuries, despite a 53-33 career record and 171 touchdown passes.
- Since Luck's retirement, the Colts have started 12 different quarterbacks and made only one playoff appearance in 2020, highlighting the void left by his departure.
Former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is refuting claims by ex-teammate Eric Ebron that GM Chris Ballard forced his early retirement in 2019. While Ebron alleges Ballard issued an ultimatum to play or leave due to Luck seeking outside medical advice, Luck maintains his decision was personal and his partnership with Ballard was "wonderful."
