Stanford football names alum Andrew Luck its GM

Stanford has done what the Indianapolis Colts couldn’t. Lure Andrew Luck out of retirement.

The university announced Saturday that Luck has been named general manager of Stanford football, effective immediately. He will oversee all aspects of the program at his alma mater.

“I’m a product of this university, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck, 35, said in a press release. “I deeply believe in Stanford’s unique approach to athletics and academics and the opportunity to help drive our program back to the top. Coach (Troy) Taylor has the team pointed in the right direction and I can’t wait to work with him , the staff , and the best, smartest and toughest footballers in the world.”

Luck was with the Cardinal from 2008-11, leading the team to a 31-7 record as its starting quarterback after redshirting in his first season. Prior to being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Colts, Luck finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting twice (2010-11) and won the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Foundation Player of the Year Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award after the 2011 season.

Indianapolis pushed future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning aside to make room for Luck, who was a four-time Pro Bowl selection in six seasons before shocking the Colts and retiring just before the 2019 season.

Luck earned his bachelor’s degree in architectural design in 2012 and, 11 years later, his master’s degree in education., from Stanford.

“Andrew Luck exemplifies the Stanford student-athlete,” said Jonathan Levin, Stanford’s president. “I am pleased to have him return to campus to help lead our football program and ensure our student-athletes achieve excellence in the changing collegiate athletics environment.”

Good luck should be counted on working with Taylor, who will enter his third year as head coach in 2025, on recruiting and roster management. In addition, he will be responsible for a large part of the business side of things, including fundraising, sponsorships, alumni relations and support for students and alumni.

“He also brings a deep understanding of the college football landscape and community and an unparalleled passion for Stanford Football,” said athletic director Bernard Muir. “I could not think of an individual better qualified to guide our football program through an ever-evolving landscape, and I am thrilled that Andrew has agreed to join our team. This change represents a very different way to run our program and compete in a developing college football landscape.”

Stanford ended the 2024 season on Friday with a 34-31 loss to San Jose State. The Cardinal were 3-9 overall and 2-8 as a first-year member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

–Field-level media