First Gronk, Now Luck. What Do These Stars' Early Retirements Say About Football?

22:42

Updated August 28, 2019

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck speaks during a news conference following the team's NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears Saturday in Indianapolis. The oft-injured star is retiring at age 29. (AJ Mast/AP)

The first game of the NFL season is about a week away — but the biggest story in football is not about who's taking the field in September — it's about one big name who isn't.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck announced in an emotional press conference Saturday night that he's retiring from football, at age 29.

Luck's early retirement mirrors Patriots' tight end Rob Gronkowski, who also retired this year at 29. He had cited the toll of the game on his body.

Two high-profile players, leaving money on the table and retiring young ... is this a sign of a new trend in the NFL?

Guests

Ben Volin, NFL reporter for the Boston Globe. He tweets @benvolin.

Michael Serazio, associate professor in the Department of Communication at Boston College and author of "The Power of Sports: Media and Spectacle in American Culture." He Tweets @michaelserazio.

This article was originally published on August 28, 2019.

This segment aired on August 28, 2019.