Stanford names Andrew Luck football general manager

There were rumors of a big announcement Saturday morning, and boy, were the rumors true? Legendary Stanford Cardinal and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck returns to The Farm as the program’s GM. He will oversee all aspects of the Cardinal football program and will begin immediately.

“I am a product of this university, Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck said. “I believe strongly in Stanford’s unique approach to athletics and academics and the opportunity to return our program to the top. Coach Taylor did it.” The team has been pointed in the right direction and I can’t wait to work with him, the team and the best, brightest and toughest soccer players in the world.

After a disappointing 34-31 loss to San Jose State on Friday afternoon, the Cardinals went 3-9 to end the season, their fourth in a row. The last time they finished a season with more than four wins was 2018, Luck’s final year in the NFL.

Luck, who completed his bachelor’s degree in architectural design in 2012 and returned to Stanford in 2023 to complete his master’s degree in education, led the Cardinal to an overall record of 31-7 from 2009 to 2011 after redshirting the 2008 campaign. Luck was a two-time runner-up for the Heisman Trophy (2010–11) and finished the 2011 season with the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Foundation Player of the Year Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

“Andrew Luck is an example of the Stanford student-athlete,” said Stanford President Jonathan Levin. “I am excited for him to return to campus to lead our football program and ensure our student-athletes achieve excellence in the changing environment of college athletics.”

In his new role, Luck will be tasked with overseeing the Cardinal football program, including working with Coach Taylor on recruiting and roster management, as well as with athletics and university leadership on fundraising, alumni relations, sponsorships, student support and athletes and stadium experience.

“Andrew’s credentials as a student-athlete speak for themselves, and in addition to his legacy of excellence, he also brings a deep understanding of the college football landscape and community and an unparalleled passion for Stanford Football,” Jaquish and Kenninger, director of athletics, said Bernard Muir.

“I couldn’t imagine a person more qualified to lead our football program through an ever-evolving landscape, and I’m thrilled that Andrew has agreed to join our team. This change represents a very different way to run our program and compete in an evolving college football landscape.”

Luck was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, who competed for seven seasons from 2012 to 2018. Luck earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons and four seasons overall, led the NFL in passing touchdowns (40) in 2014 and was named the league’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2018.

Now it will be the Stanford football program attempting a comeback. Having Luck back at Stanford could show young quarterbacks that The Farm could be the right place for them.