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Stanford releases 'Captain Andrew Luck'-inspired teaser ahead of new era

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz08/22/25NickSchultz_7
andrew luck
Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

As Andrew Luck gets ready for his first full season as Stanford general manager, the program is leaning into a social media account inspired by the former Heisman Trophy winner. The program released a teaser ahead of the season opener against Hawaii, channeling “Captain Andrew Luck” as a new era begins.

The video includes Luck writing a letter, which is in line with the posts on the infamous account. He signs it at the end, along with his new title: GM.

“Dearest Mother – Our first campaign begins tomorrow,” the post reads on X, starting the same way the posts do. “The men are prepared…”

“Capt. Andrew Luck” rose to stardom on Twitter (now X) during Luck’s playing career with the Indianapolis Colts, but went dark upon his sudden retirement. However, when the former No. 1 overall pick returned to his alma mater as general manager last year, the account returned – with an appropriate message, too.

“Dearest mother — The battleground has called for my glorious return,” the post read. “I’m thrilled to say, I shall heed that call. I have reenlisted.

“While my sidearm is permanently holstered — I shall help train other young men to be great soldiers. Please send care packages of squirrel oil and skunk cakes to our basecamp at Stanford. I love you.”

Luck has leaned into the account’s prominence, notably appearing on Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football broadcast in 2023 dressed in a Civil War-era uniform. While his playing days are over, he’s now in charge of rallying the troops at Stanford as general manager, and he quickly made his presence felt.

Months after taking the job, Luck made the decision to fire Stanford coach Troy Taylor after reports surfaced of internal investigations. He quickly brought in Frank Reich, his former coach in Indianapolis, as the interim head coach. The two had an understanding that no matter what happens in 2025, Reich will only serve one year in the role. A search for a full-time coach will occur at a later date.

At the time, Luck reported to school president Jonathan Levin rather than the head football coach. Stanford recently hired former Nike executive John Donahoe as its new athletics director, and ESPN reported Luck will now report to him and is excited about the hire.