Washington Commanders reportedly attempted to lure Andrew Luck out of retirement

Andrew Luck stepped away from football in 2019

Former Stanford quarterback and No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Andrew Luck will forever be one of the greatest and most fascinating "what ifs" in sports.

Luck helped begin Stanford's most successful era of college football, leading the Cardinal to a 31-7 record, and also accumulating the highest quarterback win percentage in school history. He also took Stanford to two New Year's Six bowl games, and his college success led to him being selected No. 1 overall and being viewed as one of the best quarterback prospects ever. 

His NFL career started off hot, and he appeared to be on track to being one of the sport's best signal callers in the game. However, in one of the most shocking decisions in football history, Luck opted to walk away from football following multiple serious injuries. Before walking away from the NFL, he made four Pro Bowls, won playoff games and held numerous records.

The then 29-year old called it quits in what should have been the apex of his career, and while he may have closed the door on football; football hasn't closed it on him. In a recent report by NFL insider John Keim, it was revealed that the Washington Commanders made a push for Luck last season to gauge his interest in returning to football. Obviously the now graduate student at Stanford opted not to, but at 33-years old and likely being as healthy as he has ever been, it wouldn't be shocking if more teams don't at least attempt to contact him.

However, unless something drastic changes the answer likely never will. In a feature story back in December, Luck, who is essentially off the grid now, opened up with ESPN's Seth Wickersham about why he stepped away. In short, Luck himself felt that he was too engulfed in football, and being a quarterback became his only identity. Something that was detrimental to not only his mental health, but his relationships with those around him. 

When it comes to the Commanders it is not a shock that they took a desperation heave from half court, as they gave Carson Wentz a shot, but later benched him for Taylor Heinicke. Following the Commanders missing the playoffs, Wentz was cut and Heinicke was not re-signed, and now the team in the Nation's Capital will look to youngster Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett for answers.