On Tuesday night, one of the best players in Panthers history hung up his cleats.
Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Luke Kuechly announced that he was retiring from the NFL at the age of 28; Kuechly made his announcement in a video released on the Panthers’ official Twitter account and as one would expect, Kuechly’s sudden news sent shockwaves around the NFL.
“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/mSDyJ0iEMw
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020
Some of Kuechly’s former and current teammates, as well as players he has played against around the league, sent their best wishes to the Panthers defensive leader.
Panthers TE Greg Olsen
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 pic.twitter.com/0DHYkOwDp1
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) January 15, 2020
Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey
Panthers Safety Tre Boston
I just want to hold a Group FaceTime with #PantherNation I just want somebody to shed this tear with. I’m over here watching Luke Highlights. Telling myself “Mannn he just retired keep it together Tre!” Lol This Hurts! We’re Hurt! Greatest LB to ever put on a Panther Jersey! 😭🐐
— Tre Boston (@TreBos10) January 15, 2020
Former Panthers and Current Chargers LB Thomas Davis
I couldn’t be more proud to call you my brother! Congrats on a heck of a career! The game will miss you as much as you miss the game bro! I love you my brother! https://t.co/6jw3C1xeZK
— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) January 15, 2020
Former Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera
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. pic.twitter.com/MM96l6vZSS
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) January 15, 2020
Panthers Safety Eric Reid
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!
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) January 15, 2020
Panthers WR DJ Moore
In the short time I have been here in Carolina it’s been a pleasure to learn from you and play with you. Will be missed💫 #greatteammate https://t.co/L9Dbyh4yjU
— DJ Moore💫 (@idjmoore) January 15, 2020
Panthers Guard Trai Turner
Forever my brother! You set the standard for me since I’ve come into the league. Hate to see you go, but love that left on top. LUUUUKKKKEEEE!! Stay svckafree August @LukeKuechly
— Trai Turner (@trai_turner) January 15, 2020
The Roaring Riot
Panthers LB Jermaine Carter
When you grow up a LB you watch Luke Kuechly, but to actually play with him and pick his brain is still amazing to me. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/W1X7AVQaVw
— Jermaine Carter Jr. (@JERMA1NECARTER) January 15, 2020
Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner
Much respect to one of the great LBs to play football. You’ve given so much to this game and were a special player to watch. The game is losing a great one. Nothing but respect ✊🏾 https://t.co/Ja76illgi5
— Bobby Wagner (@Bwagz) January 15, 2020
Former Panthers LB Coach Al Holcomb
Luke was a fierce, intense competitor who loved his teammates and the game of football. A consummate pro who always believed in team first. He revolutionized the modern day standard for MLB’s. It was honor to coach him. He is the best of men on and off the field. 🐐@LukeKuechly
— Al Holcomb (@1CoachHolcomb) January 15, 2020
Ravens QB Robert Griffin III
Great Man. Great Player. It was an honor to play against you brother. Enjoy the next phase 59, you earned it https://t.co/upzU48DtUH
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 15, 2020
Saints WR Michael Thomas
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.
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) January 15, 2020
49ers LB Kwon Alexander
Damn mane ! The game gone miss ya Luke ! You had a Legendary career ! Thanks for teaching us how to play the game right‼️ https://t.co/b0H0PC1M6l
— Kwon Alexander (@kwon) January 15, 2020
Former Panthers TE Ben Hartsock
His picture was on the stadium, but he treated me (a career backup) like I was the most important guy on the team. He was a top ten pick, but worked like he went undrafted. Luke is an inspiration. Grateful to call you friend @LukeKuechly. https://t.co/SIgJb1bG17
— Ben Hartsock (@BenHartsock) January 15, 2020
Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt
Incredible player and person.
The game is going to miss you brother! https://t.co/UxKiTkww7S— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 15, 2020
Former Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart
Luke kuechly is one of most pure and authentic people i’ve met! He was a great teammate and friend! honored to have played with you! The gridiron will miss your presence but I’m excited to see what the next chapter has for you! love you Bro! #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/0a6k4urcRu
— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) January 15, 2020
Former Panthers WR Torrey Smith
Easily one of my favorite teammates and one of the top 3 best players that I’ve seen. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you! https://t.co/zrDa2mo2HU
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 15, 2020
Former NFL LB and ESPN analyst Emmanuel Acho
As a fellow linebacker in the 2012 draft, Luke Kuechly was the cream of the crop.
I respect the hell out of his decision to retire. He missed 3 games in ‘15, & the final 6 games of ‘16 with a concussion. He is a hall of famer, but life is more than football. pic.twitter.com/O7ep4ZxjJP
— Emmanuel Acho (@thEMANacho) January 15, 2020
Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott
That’s a man of character. https://t.co/wZv82YGg5L
— Ronnie Lott (@RonnieLottHOF) January 15, 2020
Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
One of the greatest players of our time! 🐐 @LukeKuechly Will never forget playing against you! Good luck in the future!! pic.twitter.com/OsCiFXHVPP
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) January 15, 2020
ESPN analyst and former NFL player Louis Riddick
.@LukeKuechly you played the game how it was meant to be played…like a true bad-ass that was out there to hit everything and anything that moved and wore a different colored jersey. Best of luck to you. All the respect.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) January 15, 2020
Colts LB Darius Leonard
Luke, thank you for showing me the way and being the blueprint of how a LB supposed to play this game! I modeled my game and learned from you from the start man! I wish you nothing but success with your future endeavors! You had one hell of a ride! Meet you at the PFHOF! #maniac
— Darius Leonard (@dsleon45) January 15, 2020
Former Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski
Congrats @LukeKuechly on early retirement. You were a fearless player out there on the field. Soooo….when are you coming back??
— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) January 15, 2020
Shaq Thompson
