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Andrew Luck thanked Indianapolis Colts fans for their support in a heartfelt letter that appeared in a full-page ad Sunday in The Indianapolis Star.

“Thank you for an incredible eight years. For welcoming me with open arms,” the retired quarterback’s letter began. “For helping me grow on and off the field. For helping Nicole and I make Indiana our home. And for showing us the true meaning of Hoosier hospitality.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the Colts and the city of Indianapolis on the world’s stage. I can’t wait to see our team take the field and continue the journey.

“I’m proud to be a Midwesterner, a Hoosier, and a Colt.”

Luck retired abruptly a week ago, about three weeks shy of his 30th birthday, saying he was worn down by the injuries that have plagued his career.

He missed nine games in 2015 and one in 2016 before sitting out all of 2017 after his recovery from shoulder surgery didn’t go as planned. He later told reporters he initially hurt his throwing shoulder in 2015 and played through pain while compensating with an altered throwing motion before finally having surgery after the 2016 season.

Back healthy in 2018, Luck won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award after starting all 16 games and throwing for 4,593 yards, 39 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The Colts closed the season with nine wins in 10 games, rallying from a 1-5 start to reach the playoffs before falling in the AFC divisional round to the Kansas City Chiefs.

–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)