Carolina Panthers’ linebacker Luke Kuechly surprised the NFL world on Tuesday night, announcing that he is retiring from NFL at the age of 28. Kuechly, who was NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, wrapped up his eighth season as a pro in 2019.
Kuechly announced his decision via a video posted on social media, saying that he still wants to play football, but doesn’t think that would be the “right decision.”
“There’s only one way to play this game since I was a little kid — play fast, play physical and play strong,” said Kuechly in the video. “And at this point, I don’t know if I am able to do that anymore. That’s the part that is the most difficult. I still want to play, but I don’t think it’s the right decision. I thought about it for a long time. Now is an opportunity to step away with what’s going on here.”
Kuechly didn’t disclose the full reasons behind his retirement, but it is worth noting that he had several concussions during his career. Due to concussions, he was forced to miss seven games between 2015 and 2017.
Luke Kuechly was drafted by Carolina Panthers ninth overall in 2012 and has since established himself as one of the best players on his position in the league. He was lauded for his versatility and ability to make game-changing plays on the defensive side of the ball. Kuechly, who notched 1,092 tackles throughout his career, has seven Pro Bowl selections and was named to First-Team All-Pro five times.
Following Kuechly’s retirement, many of his teammates went on social media to express their respect for him. Panthers’ owner David Tepper also released a statement in which he underlined Kuechly’s impact on the organization.
“It’s going to be very difficult for all of us because we know that no player can replace what he’s been for this organization for the last eight years,” Tepper said in a statement. “His presence can’t be replicated.”
