Andrew Luck shocked the world by retiring a mere two weeks before the start of the 2019-20 season, throwing Jim Irsay, Frank Reich, and the Indianapolis Colts into disarray. And it wasn't as if Luck was washed up at that point. He spearheaded the Colts' offense en route to a solid 10-6 finish, and he led the team as far as the Divisional Round, promptly losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Alas, Luck had to endure a laundry list of injuries throughout his career, including, but not limited to a two torn rib cartilages, a partially torn abdomen, a lacerated kidney, a torn shoulder labrum, and ankle/calf issues. Thus, Luck decided that it was best for him if he stepped away from the grueling physical and mental toll that staying as a professional entailed.

But Andrew Luck's retirement took its toll on the Colts franchise as well, which culminated in Frank Reich's firing on Monday morning after the Colts' disappointing 3-5 start to the 2022-23 campaign. And Colts CEO and owner Jim Irsay couldn't help but voice out his frustrations, unleashing a stray bullet towards Luck in the process.

“Things change. In 27 years I never had a quarterback retire on me… in the middle of his prime,” Irsay said in the press conference announcing the appointment of Jeff Saturday as interim coach, per Will Brunson.

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That is a bit harsh on Luck because, as previously established, he did not have to step away from the game due to any issues regarding his performances. He was named the Comeback Player of the Year in his final season after he missed the entirety of the 2017-18 season due to shoulder surgery, and he was even named a Pro Bowler as well.

Still, it's not difficult to see where Irsay's frustrations are coming from. Professional ballclubs try to plan for the future as much as they could, but there's no planning around the retirement of someone you signed to a five-year, $122 million deal through 2021. Perhaps Reich's firing will finally allow the Colts to move on from the remnants of their past era led by Andrew Luck.