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

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

“I am a product of this University, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck, 35, said in a team news release. “I believe deeply 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 cannot wait to work with him, the staff, and the best, brightest, and toughest football players in the world.”

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

Indianapolis pushed future Hall of Fame member 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 in education., from Stanford.

“Andrew Luck exemplifies the Stanford student-athlete,” said Jonathan Levin, Stanford’s president. “I’m excited he’s returning to campus to help lead our football program and ensure that our student-athletes achieve excellence in the changing collegiate athletics environment.”

Luck be counted to work with Taylor, who will enter his third year as head coach in 2025, on recruiting and roster management. In addition, he’ll run much of the business side of things, including fundraising, sponsorships, alumni relations and student-ahtlete support.

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

Stanford finished 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