Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andrew Luck

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Andrew Luck made an impact.

Andrew Luck is an American football executive and former NFL quarterback. He achieved significant recognition during his collegiate career at Stanford, winning several prestigious awards. The Indianapolis Colts selected him first overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. After playing seven seasons, Luck retired and later became the general manager for Stanford's football program.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 2008: Indianapolis Shutout Victory

In December 2008, the Indianapolis Colts had their first shutout victory since their 23-0 win over the Tennessee Titans.

2008: Redshirting Freshman Year

During his freshman year in 2008, Andrew Luck redshirted at Stanford.

2009: Starting Quarterback at Stanford

In 2009, Andrew Luck earned the starting quarterback job at Stanford, leading the Cardinal to victories and a berth in the 2009 Sun Bowl.

September 2010: Considered Most NFL-Ready Prospect

In September 2010, before Luck's sophomore season, Sports Illustrated's Tony Pauline considered him "the most NFL-ready of all the draft-eligible quarterback prospects."

December 2010: Projected as No. 1 NFL Draft Selection

In December 2010, Sporting News projected Andrew Luck as the No. 1 selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, had he entered.

2010: Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year

In 2010, Andrew Luck was named the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year and led Stanford to a 12–1 record, a #4 ranking, and a victory in the Orange Bowl. He set multiple school records and led the Pac-10 in several statistical categories.

January 6, 2011: Decision to Stay at Stanford

On January 6, 2011, Andrew Luck announced that he would remain at Stanford to complete his degree, despite being eligible for the 2011 NFL draft.

May 2011: Projected Top Prospect for 2012 NFL Draft

In May 2011, Andrew Luck was unanimously projected as the top prospect for the 2012 NFL draft.

2011: Plays for Stanford

From 2008 to 2011, Andrew Luck played for the Stanford Cardinal under coaches Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw.

2011: Awards and Records

In 2011, Andrew Luck led Stanford to an 11-2 record and won the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. He set multiple Stanford and Pac-12 records.

2011: Record Yards in a Game

In Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, Luck threw for 433 yards, a then record for most yards in a game by a rookie quarterback (surpassing Cam Newton's 432 against the Green Bay Packers in 2011).

March 2012: Signed with Nike

In March 2012, Andrew Luck signed with Nike, Inc. to become one of their sponsored athletes.

April 26, 2012: Selected First Overall by Colts

On April 26, 2012, Andrew Luck was officially selected as the first overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL draft.

July 19, 2012: Signs with Indianapolis Colts

On July 19, 2012, Andrew Luck signed a four-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts worth $22 million.

November 25, 2012: Seattle Seahawks' regular-season loss

On November 25, 2012, the Colts defeated the Seattle Seahawks, marking Seattle's first regular-season loss since this date.

December 23, 2012: Breaks Rookie Passing Yards Record

On December 23, 2012, Andrew Luck broke the record for most passing yards in a season by a rookie, throwing 205 yards to bring his season total to 4,183, surpassing Cam Newton's previous record.

2012: Fiesta Bowl Berth

In 2011, Andrew Luck led Stanford to a berth in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State and a #7 ranking in the final AP Poll.

2012: Drafted into NFL

In 2012, Andrew Luck was selected first overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL draft after a successful college career at Stanford.

2012: Projected Top Prospect for 2012 NFL Draft

In May 2011, Andrew Luck was unanimously projected as the top prospect for the 2012 NFL draft.

September 2013: Partner and investor in BodyArmor SuperDrink

In September 2013, Andrew Luck became a partner and investor in BodyArmor SuperDrink.

2013: Playoff Comeback

During the 2013 playoffs, Andrew Luck oversaw the NFL's second-largest playoff comeback, leading the Colts in the postseason.

2013: Parks and Recreation Appearance

In 2013, Andrew Luck appeared on the comedy series Parks and Recreation as himself, alongside teammates.

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2013: Reunited with Pep Hamilton

In 2013, Andrew Luck was reunited with offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. Luck also had a comeback win against the Oakland Raiders and a win against his former Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh.

January 4, 2014: Historic Playoff Comeback against Kansas City Chiefs

On January 4, 2014, Andrew Luck led the Colts to an historic comeback victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round of the NFL playoffs, overcoming a 28-point deficit to win 45–44.

2014: 3,000 passing yards and single-season touchdown mark broken

In 2014, Andrew Luck became the first quarterback to reach 3,000 passing yards. Luck broke his single-season touchdown mark in the Colts Week 9 game against the New York Giants, throwing four to bring his total to 26.

2014: AFC Championship Game and Passing Touchdown Leader

In 2014, Andrew Luck helped the Colts reach the AFC Championship Game. He also earned Pro Bowl honors and led the league in passing touchdowns in 2014.

2014: First Quarterback to Reach 4,000 Passing Yards

In 2014, Andrew Luck was the first quarterback to reach 4,000 passing yards.

2014: Breaks single-season completion record

In 2014, Luck set a new record in single-season completions, passing his previous mark of 380.

2016: Signed six-year extension with the Colts

In 2016, Andrew Luck signed a six-year contract extension with the Colts worth $140 million, making him the highest-paid player in the league.

2016: Guaranteed $16.55 million

In 2016, the Colts picked up the fifth-year option on Luck's contract, guaranteeing him $16.55 million.

September 9, 2018: First Game in 616 Days

On September 9, 2018, Andrew Luck played his first game in 616 days against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording 319 passing yards and two touchdowns, but the Colts lost 34–23.

August 24, 2019: Retirement Announcement

On August 24, 2019, Andrew Luck announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons, citing recurrent injuries and rehabilitation as the primary reason.

2019: Retirement from NFL

Citing the injuries he sustained, Andrew Luck retired from the NFL ahead of the 2019 season.

August 2022: Re-enrollment at Stanford

In August 2022, Andrew Luck re-enrolled at Stanford as a graduate student, pursuing a master's degree in education.

2023: Volunteer Coach at Palo Alto High School

In 2023, Andrew Luck began serving as a part-time volunteer coach at Palo Alto High School, working with the school's junior varsity team.

2024: Returns to Stanford

In 2024, Andrew Luck returned to Stanford as the Cardinal's general manager.

March 25, 2025: Firing of Troy Taylor

On March 25, 2025, Andrew Luck, in his capacity as Stanford's general manager, terminated head football coach Troy Taylor after two investigations into the latter's conduct towards female staffers.