Back in 2024, Andrew Luck met with the Stanford University president, frustrated after a fourth straight 3-9 season. He couldn’t stomach watching a proud program fade into dormancy. “My resume was a little light,” he joked on ESPN’s College GameDay. But passion made him the perfect fit. Now, his mission is simple: bring Stanford back to national prominence. Six years after walking away from football without a plan, he’s pedaling his bike across the same Stanford campus where he became the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. And this time, he’s not a QB; he’s Stanford football’s first GM. Following that, Luck delivers a big plea to Stanford’s 50,000 fans ahead of Week 3.

On September 10, Stanford Football shared a heartfelt message from Andrew Luck. “I’m thrilled to return to my alma mater to help lead the Stanford football program,” he said. Luck called on fans for support this season at Stanford Stadium—through season tickets, individual tickets, and cheering the Cardinal on every Saturday. “We’ll bring a group out. Let’s make Stanford Stadium an incredible atmosphere. Let’s make Saturdays the best day to be on the farm in the Bay Area.” Simply, as Stanford opens its home slate against Boston College, messages like this aim to boost attendance and pump energy into the stadium. Because the roar of the crowd could give the Cardinal a critical edge, helping Stanford athletes perform at their best. Here, Andrew Luck fired up for the season.

“We have amazing home matchups this year, including Cal, Notre Dame, Florida State, and a local rivalry with San Jose State,” he said. Then he highlighted what makes game day special. “Our tailgates, our traditions, our rituals, our students—this is a one-of-a-kind game-day atmosphere,” added Luck. “I’m so proud to be back here at Stanford football. See you this fall.” So, with that energy, the Cardinal are set to light up Stanford Stadium, and fans are invited to be part of every unforgettable Saturday. And why not?

Look, Stanford delivers a game-day experience like no other. Fans and students get access to world-class facilities, from the Arrillaga Center and AOERC gyms to iconic venues like Stanford Stadium, Klein Field, and Maples Pavilion. On top of that, specialty spots: Avery Aquatics Center, Beach Volleyball Stadium, and Steuber Rugby Stadium, take the experience even higher. Then, the Arrillaga Family Sports Center and Home of Champions celebrates the school’s proud athletic history. Add scenic walking routes, easy parking, and interactive spaces, every home game becomes unforgettable. And now, after a 21.6% drop in 2024 attendance, Stanford’s GM reached out to fans, urging their support. He even sought career advice from an NBA GM to boost engagement.

Andrew Luck’s boldest move as Stanford’s GM

Since taking the reins of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2007, Sam Presti has built a legacy few GMs can match. He’s engineered two title-contending teams and helped guide three MVPs: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now known for his long tenure and keen eye for talent, Presti has navigated every challenge: from full-scale rebuilds to polishing championship-caliber rosters. So, it’s no surprise that executives across sports seek his insight. Here, enter Andrew Luck.

After a shocking retirement in 2018, the former Colts QB has returned to football in a new role: Stanford’s GM, a position still rare in CFB. But with NIL deals, transfer portals, and conference shakeups, schools are starting to run programs more like professional teams. So, Luck’s mission is clear: bring Stanford back to national relevance in the ACC. And to navigate this new world, Luck has leaned on seasoned pros, even across sports.

ESPN’s College GameDay reported that Luck reached out to Presti for guidance on roster-building and program strategy. “It’s always good to absorb knowledge from those with rich experience and success,” said Luck. Honestly, even if basketball and CFB are different playgrounds, the principles of building a winning team can translate, and Stanford hopes to prove it.