Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Andrew Luck

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

Andrew Luck is a former NFL quarterback and current general manager for Stanford Cardinal. He played seven seasons for the Indianapolis Colts after being drafted first overall in 2012. Luck had a celebrated college career at Stanford, winning multiple awards including the Maxwell and Walter Camp awards in 2011. Considered a top prospect, his NFL career was marked by both high expectations and premature retirement due to injuries.

Sections (4)

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

December 2008: Shutout Victory Over Tennessee Titans

The shutout victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7 was the first for Indianapolis since a 23–0 win over the Tennessee Titans in December 2008.

2008: Attended Stanford University

In 2008, Andrew Luck attended Stanford University on an athletic scholarship.

2008: High School Graduation and Recruitment

In 2008, Andrew Luck graduated as co-valedictorian from Stratford High School. He was a four-star recruit and played in the 2008 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He chose Stanford over other university offers.

2008: Redshirting Freshman Year

In 2008, Andrew Luck redshirted during his freshman year at Stanford.

2009: Starting Quarterback for 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.

December 2010: Projected #1 Pick in 2011 NFL Draft

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, was unanimously selected to the All-Pac-10 First Team, led Stanford to a 12-1 record, won the Orange Bowl MVP, and set multiple school records.

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.

2011: Played for Stanford through 2011

Andrew Luck played football for the Stanford Cardinal from 2008 through 2011.

2011: Awards and Records in 2011

In 2011, Andrew Luck won the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award, was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy, was named First Team All America, Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Pac-12, set new Stanford records for career touchdown passes and career total offense, became Stanford's all-time leader in wins and winning percentage by a starting quarterback, and broke Pac-12 records for career passing efficiency rating and career completion percentage.

April 26, 2012: Colts Draft Andrew Luck First Overall

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

July 19, 2012: Signed Four-Year Contract with Colts

On July 19, 2012, Andrew Luck signed a four-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts worth $22 million, becoming the fourth starting quarterback for the Colts in the past two NFL seasons.

November 25, 2012: Seattle Seahawks First Loss Since November 25, 2012

Andrew Luck and the Colts handed the Seattle Seahawks their first regular-season loss since November 25, 2012.

December 23, 2012: Broke Rookie Passing Yards Record

On December 23, 2012, Andrew Luck broke the record for most passing yards in a season by a rookie, with a total of 4,183 yards.

2012: Fiesta Bowl Berth

In 2011, Andrew Luck led Stanford to the 2012 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma State.

2012: Selected First Overall in NFL Draft

In 2012, Andrew Luck was selected first overall in the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

2013: NFL Playoff Comeback

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

2013: Reunited with Pep Hamilton and Win Against 49ers

In 2013, Andrew Luck was reunited with offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton and defeated his former Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh in a game against the San Francisco 49ers.

January 4, 2014: Historic Comeback against Kansas City Chiefs

On January 4, 2014, Luck led a historic comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs in his first NFL home playoff game, completing 29 passes for 433 yards and 4 touchdowns, and recovering a fumble for a touchdown, to record the second-biggest comeback in NFL playoff history.

2014: First Quarterback to Reach 3,000 Passing Yards

In 2014, Andrew Luck broke his single-season touchdown mark and became the first quarterback in 2014 to reach 3,000 passing yards.

2014: AFC Championship Game and Pro Bowl Honors

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

2015: League Leader in Passing Touchdowns

In 2015, Luck was the league's leader in passing touchdowns for the first time in his career.

2017: Missed Season Due to Injuries

In 2017, Andrew Luck missed the entire season due to injuries.

September 9, 2018: First Game in 616 Days

On September 9, 2018, Andrew Luck started Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, marking his first game in 616 days since his injury.

2019: Retirement from the NFL

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

August 2022: Luck re-enrolled at Stanford

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

2023: Luck began serving as a part-time volunteer coach

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

November 2024: Luck became general manager of Stanford Cardinal football

In November 2024, Andrew Luck became the general manager of the Stanford Cardinal football team.

2024: Return to Stanford as General Manager

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

March 25, 2025: Luck fired Troy Taylor as head football coach

On March 25, 2025, Andrew Luck, in his role as general manager of Stanford Cardinal football, fired head football coach Troy Taylor following investigations into Taylor's conduct.