Brissett learned of Luck's retirement a day early: 'I was shocked'

Andrew Luck told his replacement about his plan to retire on Friday, a day before the rest of the world found out.

"I was shocked," Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett, formerly Luck's backup, told reporters on Monday.

Luck announced his decision on Saturday night after struggling with injuries for the last four years. The news leaked during the Colts' preseason game against the Chicago Bears as Luck stood with teammates, including Brissett, on the sideline, creating a surreal scene in Indianapolis.

"He was smiling at the end and that's what helped me gain clarity and understanding of the situation," Brissett said of his conversation with Luck. "I wish him the best, and he knows that."

Brissett acknowledged he was aware of Luck's injury-related frustrations, but the pivot didn't know those feelings would prompt a change at quarterback.

"You know a lot, but you don't know everything about somebody," he said.

In #Colts lockeroom and it's still hard to believe that Andrew Luck has retired. @WISH_TV #NFL pic.twitter.com/m19vVy9cVx

- Anthony Calhoun (@ACwishtv) August 26, 2019

A fourth-year pro, Brissett takes over under center for a Colts squad coming off a 10-6 season, and the team boasts significantly more talent than when he last started.

In 2017, Brissett was acquired days before the season and quickly thrust into the starting role as Luck nursed a shoulder injury. He threw for 3,098 yards with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions over 16 appearances that year.

"It's not the first week of me being here now," he said. "I've been here for two years, the same system with a lot of the same guys. I think that will help me out and help us out a lot."

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