Stanford Names Andrew Luck Football General Manager

There were rumors of a big announcement coming 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, beginning immediately.

“I’m a product of this university, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck said. “I deeply believe in Stanford’s unique approach to athletics and academics and the opportunity to help drive our program back to the top. Coach Taylor has the team pointed in the right direction and I can’t wait to work with him, the staff and the best, smartest and toughest footballers in the world.”

The Cardinal are coming off another 3-9 finish, their fourth in a row, after Friday afternoon’s disappointing 34-31 loss to San José State to end the season. The last time they finished with more than four wins in a season was back in 2018, Luck’s final year in the NFL.

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

“”Andrew Luck is the epitome of the Stanford student-athlete,” said Stanford President Jonathan Levin. “I am pleased that he is returning to campus to help lead our football program and ensure that our student-athletes achieve excellence in the changing collegiate athletics environment.”

In his new role, Luck will be tasked with overseeing the Cardinal Football program, including working with Coach Taylor on recruiting and guard management, and with athletics and university leadership on fundraising, alumni relations, sponsorships, student-athlete support 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 Bernard Muir said.

“I could not think of someone better qualified to guide our football program through an ever-evolving landscape, and I am 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 as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2012 NFL Draft, competing for seven seasons from 2012-18. After earning Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons and four overall, Luck 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 trying to make a comeback. With Luck back at Stanford, that could be a sign to young quarterbacks that The Farm could be the right place for them.