Frank Reich’s Players Back Andrew Luck’s Stanford Pick: ‘He’s the One to Make It Go’When former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck announced his return to football—not as a player, but as a coach at Stanford University—it sent waves through both collegiate and professional football circles. But in a move that surprised few who had shared a locker room with him, Luck’s transition to the coaching world was met with widespread support. Perhaps most notably, former Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich’s players publicly endorsed the decision, echoing the sentiment that Luck is uniquely positioned to reignite Stanford’s football legacy. “He’s the one to make it go,” one former player remarked, encapsulating the belief that Luck’s intelligence, poise, and leadership make him the perfect fit for the job.Frank Reich, known for his cerebral approach to the game and his mentorship of quarterbacks, coached Luck during one of the latter’s most productive NFL seasons. Under Reich, Luck returned to Pro Bowl form in 2018 after a long injury hiatus. That mutual respect carried through the locker room, where Reich’s players grew to deeply respect Luck’s mind for the game. Players recall how Luck not only read defenses like a seasoned coordinator but also served as a de facto coach on the field—mentoring younger teammates, running film sessions, and even suggesting play-calling tweaks.So when news broke that Stanford—Luck’s alma mater—was bringing him on as the head coach, it felt like a full-circle moment. “It’s perfect,” said a former Colts lineman. “You’ve got a guy who’s not just a brilliant football mind, but also someone who cares deeply about people and the school. He’s going to bring something different to that program—something real.”The backing from Reich’s former players carries weight. These are athletes who understand the grind of the NFL, and they know how rare it is to see someone step away from the game early, as Luck did, and still hold the unwavering respect of peers. It’s a testament to his character—and his passion for football done the right way.At Stanford, expectations will be high, but Luck’s arrival has already energized both fans and players. The Cardinal program has struggled in recent years, falling behind rivals in recruitment and performance. But Luck’s name alone brings prestige. More importantly, his presence brings credibility, especially to young quarterbacks and offensive prospects who now see Stanford as a place where elite development is possible.As one former Colts receiver put it, “If Andrew’s in charge, I’d send my kid there tomorrow. He doesn’t do anything halfway.”In stepping into this new chapter, Luck isn’t just returning to the sport—he’s potentially reshaping how football is taught and led at the college level. With the backing of players who knew him best, including those from Frank Reich’s tenure, there’s a growing belief that Stanford may have struck gold. Not with a flashy hire, but with the quiet brilliance of a man who’s always understood the game better than most.After all, sometimes the best coach is the one who never needed a whistle to lead.
