Andrew Luck rejoining Stanford as football GM

Former Stanford star Andrew Luck is returning to become football general manager of the Cardinal's program, he told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

"I'm excited," Luck said. "Stanford is taking an assertive and innovative step. We're undoubtedly the best athletic department in college sports. We have to reprove it in football, and we're excited to be part of that challenge."

Stanford recently created a GM role in which Luck will be responsible for the program's football-related decisions, including managing the coaching and personnel staff, recruiting, and roster management. The retired quarterback will also be involved in business decisions, such as fundraising, sponsorships, and in-stadium experience. The move could be the precursor to structural changes in college football front offices, notes Thamel.

"Stanford is at its best when there's alignment from the top of university about football," Luck added. "President (Jonathan) Levin is committed to doing that. We wouldn't do this without that kind of commitment from the president - he's committed to being innovative and creative to find ways for us to compete."

Luck played at Stanford from 2009-11 before being selected first overall in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He's the Cardinal's all-time touchdown leader (82) and ranks second in school history with 9,430 passing yards behind only Steve Stenstrom (10,531).

The 35-year-old also stood out in the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl berths and leading the league in touchdown passes once from 2012-18. However, Luck suddenly retired in August 2019 after battling several injuries. He coached high school football after ending his career as a player.

"I'm very thankful for what football has given me," Luck said. "In many, many ways on many, many levels. Stanford is one of those deeper levels. There's something about it, especially the people there. This is going to be a daunting challenge. It's a steep climb. But I'm fired up."

Stanford posted a 3-9 season in 2024, the school's fourth straight losing campaign. The Cardinal - who've had Troy Taylor as head coach over the last two years - went 31-7 with Luck as their starting QB.