Just In: A familiar face will be in Indianapolis on this week

Andrew Luck, the former Colts quarterback who abruptly retired on the eve of the 2019 season, will return to the city he once called home for the Chuckstrong Tailgate Gala, the Colts’ annual fundraiser hosted by former head coach Chuck Pagano.

Luck has generally remained out of the public eye since his surprising retirement, eventually leaving Indianapolis for California in 2022. Meanwhile, the Colts have gone through several quarterbacks in recent years, none of whom has lasted more than a season. They’re hoping to get off that carousel now that Anthony Richardson, a promising but untested player, has joined the team.

Despite the presence of Richardson and the passage of time, Luck’s retirement remains a contentious issue in Indianapolis. Many supporters have yet to forgive him for the timing of his statement, which limited the Colts’ options at quarterback and knocked the legs out of a squad that many expected to make a deep playoff run. Everyone remembers the boos that rained down on Luck when he exited Lucas Oil for the final time that August evening.

However, time and success can cure any wound. Richardson is still unproven, but he showed enough in his debut season to give Colts fans hope. If he follows through on his promises, Luck’s retirement will become a distant memory.

If that happens, may Luck one day be inducted into the Colts’ Ring of Honor?

This is not something that will occur soon. More time is required, as well as more victories. The Colts haven’t enjoyed nearly enough success to entice fans to move on, at least not yet. If Richardson becomes a franchise quarterback and leads the Colts to playoff and Super Bowl success, things might change quickly. There’s no disputing that Luck’s retirement was a blow to the team, one that they have yet to recover from. There’s also no arguing that Luck was a terrific quarterback, who gave his all for the club despite some subpar supporting casts, and who represented the city admirably.

It will not happen this year or in the following few years. But it wouldn’t be unexpected if Andrew Luck put on his blue blazer and joined the Colts Ring of Honor someday.

During Thursday’s episode of The Ride With JMV, John chatted with Mike Chappell of CBS4 and FOX59. Mike discussed whether Andrew Luck will make it into the Colts Ring of Honor, their offseason acquisitions, and more!