Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay didn’t halt back from letting everyone know that their star quarterback Andrew Luck is not up for grabs following a potential tampering rumor.
Luck was selected first overall by the Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft and was on his way to being inked as a future Hall of Fame QB before abruptly retiring from the league just two weeks before the start of the season in 2019 at the ripe age of 29, having three years left on his contract with the franchise.
The four-time Pro Bowler made a new record for most yards in a game by a rookie quarterback throwing for 433 yards and continued his journey with the franchise from 2012 to 2018 seasons.
What did the Colts owner say following the tampering news of Andrew Luck?
The Colts owner Jim Irsay took to Twitter to issue a warning to other NFL teams over possible tampering involving the team’s former quarterback Andrew Luck following a report from ESPN’s John Keim on Saturday revealing the Washington Commanders had reached the QB out last season before trading for Carson Wentz.
“If any NFL Team, attempted to contact Andrew Luck (or any associate of him)… to play for their Franchise – it would be a clear Violation of the League’s Tampering Policy”, the tweet says.
If any NFL Team,attempted to contact Andrew Luck (or any associate of him)… to play for their Franchise – it would be a clear Violation of the League’s Tampering Policy.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 8, 2023
Irsay didn’t mention any specific team in his tweet, albeit the tweet seemed to be a direct warning for the Commanders that were desperate for a quarterback during the 2022 offseason and reached Andrew even though he retired from football almost five years ago.
Tampering is a violation of the NFL’s rules and regulations, and teams found guilty of tampering can face significant penalties, including fines, loss of draft picks, and even suspension of team personnel. The Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was suspended and fined as well as the team got docked two draft picks, including a 2023 first-rounder, for tampering with NFL GOAT Tom Brady in 2022.
If Luck ever decides to make a U-turn to the football field, his contract will be reinstated and the Colts will own his rights for three more years.
Irsay’s warning is a clear message to all NFL teams that the Colts are prepared to take a hardline stance to ensure that any decision regarding Luck’s future remains solely in their hands.
