Luke Kuechly shocked the pro football world after announcing his early retirement at just 28 years old, on January 14th. The seven time pro bowler and 2013 Defensive Player of the Year had long been the Carolina Panthers’ shining star on defense. Kuechly is leaving the game as one of the greatest linebackers ever in this age.
During his career, Kuechly earned a fearsome reputation, winning Rookie of the Year in 2012, and becoming the Panther´s star player on defense. Kuechly led the league in tackles twice with 164 and 153 tackles (2012,2014), and was a five-time First Team All Pro. He accomplished all of this in his career of only eight years.
The Panthers defense will be deeply affected by his retirement, and seeing as the secondary was already performing poorly this season, the future 2021 Carolina season doesn’t seem to be in good hands. Kuechly has discussed possibly returning to the Panthers program as a coach, which is a position where he could continue to help the team in an off-field position.
Kuechly was admired by his teammates, and several came forward to pay their respects after he announced his retirement.
¨Words can’t describe who Luke Kuechly is as a person, friend, and teammate. We have shared countless memories together both on the field and away from it.¨ says Greg Olsen, a Panthers tight end who has played with Kuechly since the beginning of his career. ¨I feel honored to be his friend and I’ll always appreciate the impact he has had on my life. Love you buddy¨
Although Kuechly did not cite head injuries as the reason for his early departure from the game, he suffered multiple concussions and injuries while playing as a middle linebacker, arguably the most physically taxing position in the game. His worst concussion, while playing against the Saints, caused him to miss six games and he was visibly shaken by the incident.
Despite his short eight year career, Luke Kuechly is retiring from football as one of the best linebackers ever, and no one will be surprised to see him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame sometime in the near future.
