Colts fans didn’t take too kindly to GM Chris Ballard’s comments during Wednesday’s press conference.
Asked about whether he fears the absence of Jonathan Taylor will stunt rookie Anthony Richardson’s growth, Ballard replied: “Did it stunt Andrew [Luck’s] growth without a special back?”
Look, when you don’t have a great player. I mean – [shrugs] … But I don’t think it stunts his growth. No, not at all. I mean, I don’t know. Did it stunt Andrew’s growth without a special back?
#Colts GM Chris Ballard says he doesn’t think Jonathan Taylor’s situation will hinder Anthony Richardson’s growth.
“Did it stunt Andrew Luck’s growth without a special back?”pic.twitter.com/rHksHLLTom
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 30, 2023
Fans were clearly bothered on social media.
“Uhhh he retired because of constant hits that a good back could have helped out with outside of a quality offensive line,” a user said. “Ballard needs to go…”
Uhhh he retired because of constant hits that a good back could have helped out with outside of a quality offensive line. Ballard needs to go…
— RB (@rb89rb) August 30, 2023
“Andrew Luck was literally too injured to keep playing,” another commented.
Andrew Luck was literally too injured to keep playing
— Drink More Water | Get More Sleep 🐬 (@hughart_michael) August 30, 2023
“Using Andrew Luck as a successful story [when] your franchise ruined his career is wild.”
Using Andrew Luck as a successful story whe your franchise ruined his career is wild
— Jake Vouvo🥷🏾🐢 (@vountee) August 30, 2023
“That’s a terrible example,” another person laughed.
That’s a terrible example 😂
— SaucedArod (@SaucedArod) August 30, 2023
Luck retired at age 29 after the mental and physical toll of his injuries became too much to bear.
In his time as the Colts starter, the team had one 1,000-yard running back: 33-year-old Frank Gore.