By Canadian Press

Toronto FC defender Drew Moor applauds Andrew Luck for listening to his body

Aug 27, 2019 | 8:02 PM

TORONTO — With just 17 starts since the beginning of the 2018 MLS season, veteran defender Drew Moor knows all about battling his body.

So the 35-year-old Texan felt for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck after his surprise retirement announcement Saturday. Luck, 29, stepped away from his multimillion-dollar contract, citing a mounting cycle of pain during his NFL career.

While Moor doesn’t have to face 300-pounders trying to flatten him, he knows the toll injuries can take on an elite athlete

“It’s part of the game. It’s a mental battle and it’s not easy,” he said. “Whether it’s in the off-season, during the season, it can wear down on you.”

Luck told reporters he had to let his body heal.

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“I’m in pain, I’m still in pain. It’s been four years of this pain, rehab cycle,” Luck said. “It’s a myriad of issues — calf strain, posterior ankle impingement, high ankle sprain. Part of my journey going forward will be figuring out how to feel better.”

Moor, who has battled a quad injury as well as a string of minor calf issues since the start of last season, applauded Luck for listening to his body.

“They’ve dealt with some scary things post-career,” he said of NFL players.

“He’s a quarterback. He’s trusting guys to stop other guys that literally want to decapitate him,” Moor added. “And if that’s not mentally wearing on you enough, then I don’t know what is.”

The Canadian Press