Athletes are people too. They hurt and they cry just like us; however, sports fans have a tendency to act as if they should get the final word on how far athletes should push themselves. 

The Indianapolis Colts quarterback of seven consecutive years, Andrew Luck, recently announced his retirement from the NFL. Luck has endured multiple injuries that have threatened his mental and physical wellbeing, the most recent being an ankle injury that would keep him off the field for at least the first few weeks of the 2019 season. 

Luck’s plan to retire was leaked during the Colts vs Bears preseason game, and it resulted in fans horrendously booing him off the field as he stood on the sidelines. Some believe that this reaction was justified due to his timing, but Luck has shown his dedication to his team; he practically risked his life by continuing to play. If anything, this retirement is long overdue.

A teary-eyed Luck officially announced his retirement at a press conference on Saturday, August 24, following the game, saying that this was “the hardest decision of his life.” 

After torn cartilage in two ribs, a partially torn abdomen, a lacerated kidney, a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, a torn calf, and at least one concussion, it only makes sense to retire. But season after season, despite his many injuries, Luck still came back for more. 

During the prime of his career, Luck said he wanted to be “the best quarterback I can be for the Colts, and hope that it’s good enough.” 

Well, Luck certainly made a good effort to reach that goal; most would say that he even exceeded it. 

What one has to keep in mind is that Luck isn’t just thinking of himself and the money anymore. He isn’t the same athlete or man as he was during his time at Stanford. He’s not playing to make a name for himself because now he’s made one. 

Additionally, Luck is an expectant father, so it’s more than understandable that he’d want to put his physical and especially his mental health first so that he can be there for his family.

It’s not the fact that fans booed him, it’s the fact that they think they deserve a true say in what athletes choose to do for their physical and mental well-being. Given that Luck is walking away from approximately $58 million and is seemingly at the top of his career, the average person may find Luck crazy for retiring as early as he did; however, it’s not up to the average person or the biggest Colts megafan there is, it’s up to Luck himself.