Andrew Luck shares his side of the story regarding Eric Ebron accusing Colts general manager Chris Ballard of giving the former Colts quarterback an ultimatum that led to his retirement from the NFL.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) celebrates his touchdown pass to tight end Eric Ebron (85) in the first half of their game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018.
Indianapolis Colts Host The Miami Dolphins
Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Somehow, even seven years separated from his retirement, Andrew Luck remains a topic of discussion for the Indianapolis Colts. This week, more than normal, though, due to one of his former teammates.
Luck and tight end Eric Ebron had a special connection during the 2018 season. This led to Ebron posting career highs across the board: 66 receptions, 750 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
During a recent podcast episode, Ebron had former Colts teammate Shaquille Leonard on his podcast “On My Soul.” After Leonard shared some personal gripes with how his time with the Colts ended, Ebron had a story of his own. He claimed that general manager Chris Ballard played a major role in Luck’s shocking retirement.
Luck has now decided to share his side of the story and say whether Ebron’s claims were accurate.
Andrew Luck’s response to Eric Ebron’s claim Chris Ballard issued an ultimatum in 2019:
Chris and I had a wonderful partnership, especially through my decision to retire, and we remain close. Any notion of internal pressures that influenced my decision are without merit.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) April 4, 2026
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard walks the sideline Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Andrew Luck denies Eric Ebron’s story that Chris Ballard played a role in his decision to retire
Chris (Colts GM Chris Ballard) and I had a wonderful partnership, especially through my decision to retire, and we remain close. Any notion of internal pressures that influenced my decision are without merit.
ANDREW LUCK
FORMER COLTS QB to Mike Chappell
Longtime Colts beat writer Mike Chappell was able to land a statement from Luck himself on the subject. Luck has never been one to insert himself into the limelight. So, seeing him choose to come out and deny Ebron’s claims should be considered notable.
The now-Stanford football general manager has fully moved on and has never expressed any regret about his decision. A decision fans now can feel confident in knowing Ballard didn’t play a role in.
Ebron has never been shy about expressing his disdain for Ballard because of how his time in Indianapolis ended. Whether that played a role in sharing this now refuted story nearly seven years after Luck’s retirement is unknown.
In an article, Chappell shared that he also reached out to Ballard for a comment on Ebron’s claims. The Colts’ general manager declined to comment. Colts fans have plenty of reasons to have concerns about Ballard’s ability to put together a championship-caliber roster. I do hope some can take solace knowing he wasn’t responsible for one of the lowest moments of the franchise’s history, Luck’s career ending way too soon.
Indianapolis Colts News
The 2026 NFL season has never felt closer for the Indianapolis Colts now that they know their offseason schedule including the dates for their OTA’s an mandatory minicamp.