Andrew Luck embraces Capt. Andrew Luck internet meme

Former Colts quarterback Andrew Luck made a rare public appearance on Amazon's Thursday Night Football postgame show, embracing his popular parody account "Capt. Andrew Luck."

Former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck surprised fans with a rare public appearance on Amazon's Thursday Night Football postgame show. However, it wasn't just Luck who showed up, but "Capt. Andrew Luck" in full Civil War-era uniform. This amusing callback to the popular online parody account was a nod to the QB's neck beard, comparing him to an old soldier on the battlefield. Despite his retirement from professional football, Luck is clearly still aware of the account and embraced the character during the show.

With a smile, Luck declared, "The war is over. We're in greener pastures in California. Life is quite good." Host Charissa Thompson acknowledged that the reference may go over the heads of some viewers, stating, "This is where the kids say, if you know, you know." Luck, the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Stanford, then participated in a postgame quiz related to the Stanford-Cal college football rivalry.

For fans unfamiliar with the joke, it's time to catch up. The @CaptAndrewLuck Twitter account gained popularity during Luck's time with the Colts. It cleverly played on his shaggy beard and short hair, making him appear as if he belonged in the 1800s. A meme featuring a black-and-white photo of Luck in a military uniform quickly circulated among football fans.

"Capt. Andrew Luck" regularly wrote messages home to his "dearest mother," providing recaps of the day's battles (i.e., games). Yes, this is a real account. Prior to the Colts' 2019 playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, "Capt. Andrew Luck" wrote, "I have received your care package of braised pigeon shins and fresh squirrel oil. By way of Chief trickery, the unit lost a day's travel after reaching Lawrence only to discover Kansas City is actually in Missouri. No bother. Our focus remains unfazed."

Although the account had been inactive since May, it made a comeback on Thursday morning, leading to Luck's appearance on the postgame show. Luck, once considered one of the most promising prospects in recent memory, had his career cut short by numerous severe injuries. Throughout his seven-year career, he endured a lacerated kidney, concussions, a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, and other ailments. At the age of 29, Luck shocked the football world by retiring from the NFL just before the start of the 2019 regular season, citing the relentless cycle of injuries, pain, and rehab.

So, what has Luck been up to since his retirement? Well, he's still involved in football. He currently serves as a part-time assistant on the coaching staff at Palo Alto High School in California. Interestingly, Stanford University, where Luck achieved great success and was named Pac-12 Player of the Year twice, is located just across the street from the school. Last fall, Luck even re-enrolled at Stanford to pursue a master's degree in education. Given his infrequent public appearances, his commitment to the "Capt. Andrew Luck" bit on Thursday night was truly remarkable.

In a previous appearance on ESPN with Robert Griffin III, Luck revealed that he has taken on "full-time daddy duty" since retiring. Now in his fifth year of retirement, Luck continues to have a connection to the game he once excelled at.