After eight years in the NFL, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is calling it a career. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers fans were in for the shock Tuesday evening upon hearing the news that veteran linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from the NFL after eight remarkable seasons. In a three-and-a-half minute video, the 28-year-old said it was “the right thing to do.”
“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.”
“I think now is the right chance for me to move on,” Kuechly said. “It makes me sad because I love playing this game, I’ve played it since I was a kid. It’s my favorite thing in the world to do. The memories I have from this place and this organization and being on the field with these guys – they’ll never go away.
“In my heart I know it’s the right thing to do… There’s only one way to play this game since I was a little kid – play fast, play physical and play strong. And at this point I don’t know if I am able to do that anymore.”
Kuechly calls it quit on a storied career that comprises of 1,092 tackles, the most in the NFL since he entered the league in 2012. Drafted by Carolina ninth overall, the Cincinnati native’s 18 interceptions are most by a linebacker since his rookie year and third-most in franchise history. In addition, his 75 tackles for loss are tied for fifth among linebackers over that period.
Luke Kuechly since entering the NFL in 2012:
* 1,092 tackles (1st in the NFL)
* 7 Pro Bowls (T-1st)
* 5x First-Team All-Pro (T-1st)
* 18 INT (most amongst LB)
* NFL Defensive Player of the Year
* Defensive Rookie of the Year
* 7 seasons as a team captain
A Hall of Fame resumé.
Talk about an impressive set of achievements.
NFL Players React to Kuechly’s Revelation
It didn’t take long for Kuchley’s fellow teammates and colleagues across the league to hear of his departure, and Panthers tight end Greg Olsen was one of the first to congratulate his teammate on a remarkable tenure.
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. I feel honored to be his friend and I’ll always appreciate the impact he has had on my life. Love you buddy
Other accolades soon came pouring in saluting the Boston College product, including former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera delivering a warm tribute.
I had the privilege of playing next to HOF #MikeSingletary & coaching HOF @BUrlacher54 & @LukeKuechly is worthy of that honor someday. But more important I will remember Luke’s sense of humor, his leadership & 4 being a great teammate.
Thank you for some of the best memories both on and off the field. I’m so honored to have shared the field with not just the best player I’ve ever seen, but the best person I’ve ever met. Will always love you bro! To retirement🍻🎣
@LukeKuechly
After playing with @PatrickWillis52 I didn’t think it was possible for me to touch the field with another LB of his caliber. Then I went to Carolina. Enjoy retirement @LukeKuechly!
Luke doesn’t even have social media he is that different. I have to see him soon in person and pay my respect always fun to play against. Meetings were always a little longer, and gameplans a little more complex. He kept you honest.
Congrats on a GREAT career 59, learned so much from you these past two years glad to be able to call you a brother ✊🏾
One of the greatest players of our time! 🐐 @LukeKuechly Will never forget playing against you! Good luck in the future!!
In addition to potentially identifying a new quarterback for next season, looks like the Panthers have another tall order of finding a replacement for one of the star athletes in the offseason.