{"id":854211,"date":"2026-04-05T00:07:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T00:07:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/854211\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T00:07:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T00:07:20","slug":"former-colts-qb-andrew-luck-denies-rumor-about-why-he-retired","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/854211\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Colts QB Andrew Luck denies rumor about why he retired"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"Former
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIndianapolis 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. <\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts Host The Miami Dolphins
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMatt Kryger\/IndyStar<\/p>\n

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<\/a>. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

During a recent podcast episode, Ebron had former Colts teammate Shaquille Leonard on his podcast \u201cOn My Soul.\u201d 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\u2019s shocking retirement.<\/p>\n

Luck has now decided to share his side of the story and say whether Ebron\u2019s claims were accurate. <\/p>\n

Andrew Luck\u2019s response to Eric Ebron\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) April 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\"ColtsIndianapolis 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<\/p>\n

Andrew Luck denies Eric Ebron\u2019s story that Chris Ballard played a role in his decision to retire<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

ANDREW LUCK<\/p>\n

FORMER COLTS QB to Mike Chappell<\/p>\n

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\u2019s claims should be considered notable. <\/p>\n

The now-Stanford football general manager<\/a> has fully moved on and has never expressed any regret about his decision<\/a>. A decision fans now can feel confident in knowing Ballard didn\u2019t play a role in. <\/p>\n

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\u2019s retirement is unknown. <\/p>\n

In an article, Chappell shared<\/a> that he also reached out to Ballard for a comment on Ebron\u2019s claims. The Colts\u2019 general manager declined to comment. Colts fans have plenty of reasons to have concerns about Ballard\u2019s ability to put together a championship-caliber roster. I do hope some can take solace knowing he wasn\u2019t responsible for one of the lowest moments of the franchise\u2019s history, Luck\u2019s career ending way too soon. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"Colts\t\t<\/p>\n

Indianapolis Colts News<\/p>\n

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\u2019s an mandatory minicamp.<\/p>\n