January 14th, 2020 at 9:01 PM ^
He has accomplished a lot using athletics as an avenue to set him up for the future. Glad young people still realize that hard work, dedication and talent can award you if you apply yourself.
January 15th, 2020 at 8:26 AM ^
Link from a local news source:
https://www.wbtv.com/2020/01/15/luke-kuechly-announces-retirement-nfl/
Kuechly just finished his eighth NFL season and is one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Carolina uniform and one of the top linebackers in the NFL
Kuechly's resume includes seven Pro Bowl nods, seven AP All-Pro selections with five on the first team, the Defensive Player of the Year award (2013) and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award (2012).
January 15th, 2020 at 4:11 PM ^
I think this is obvious, but one can have billions of dollars and not have much of a future if one's head is messed up.
January 14th, 2020 at 9:17 PM ^
Good. His concussion where he was crying his eyes out while being carted off the field was incredibly scary. Dude has made good money and sacrificed his brain/body enough. Big fan of his play, but am very glad he's getting out.
6.5.0January 14th, 2020 at 11:35 PM ^
I didn’t remember who he was before I saw your comment. That image will always be with me. Good for him for prioritizing the long term. Hopefully his future is rewarding!
January 14th, 2020 at 9:22 PM ^
Gronk was 29 too, injuries take a toll.
January 14th, 2020 at 9:25 PM ^
He’s made almost $63+ million. He should be fine. Health is wealth and I think with the way they’re paying players today your aren’t going to see as many players playing into three mid to late 30’s.
best of luck to him.
January 14th, 2020 at 9:28 PM ^
Mad respect for the way he played the game.
January 14th, 2020 at 9:32 PM ^
The guy was an absolute beast on the field
Good luck Mr. Kuechly
January 14th, 2020 at 9:40 PM ^
Makes sense. For a lot of guys I imagine the calculus is becoming clearer that at some point the injuries are going to longer well after your playing days are done. And he's had some rough concussions.
Wish him luck. Expect this to become more of a trend.
January 14th, 2020 at 9:48 PM ^
I bet more NFL players will take better care of their money so they can retire off of tens of millions of $$$ before they're 30.
January 14th, 2020 at 10:06 PM ^
Marshawn says, protect yo chicken ?
January 14th, 2020 at 10:21 PM ^
And your mentals!
January 15th, 2020 at 8:12 AM ^
I read this in a cockney accent and it was delightful.
January 15th, 2020 at 8:27 AM ^
In my opinion, if you don't read everything in the voice of Michael Caine then you're doing it wrong.
January 14th, 2020 at 9:50 PM ^
Got to respect his decision. He’s got to still want to be able to walk when he’s 60 and not be concussed out of his mind.
All the money in the world can’t buy your health back. And the man has made enough to live comfortably several times over. Hope he enjoys retirement.
January 14th, 2020 at 10:25 PM ^
First ballot Hall of Famer.
Defensive Rookie of Year ('12)
Defensive player of year ('13)
7x Pro Bowler.
5x 1st team All Pro
2x 2nd team All Pro
All he missed was a SB ring.
January 15th, 2020 at 12:20 AM ^
I applaud Mr. Kuechly for a great career & for the courage to walk away.
January 15th, 2020 at 8:12 AM ^
Porn actors usually retire before 30 as well
January 15th, 2020 at 8:27 AM ^
and when they don't it's just saaaad.
January 15th, 2020 at 8:25 AM ^
I have absolutely no issue with players stepping away when their time is right, whenever that may be. I do wonder if the NFL doesn't roll back the draft age a bit as this trend continues. The less miles pre-NFL, the longer their pro career could be in theory. And as players begin to make money in college, how much does that end up tipping the scales for these guys to retire even earlier?
Luke was 28 by the way, and what a lucky guy. I'd retire today in a heart beat if I could!
January 15th, 2020 at 9:08 AM ^
I'm not sure it would be good for 18-19 year old kids getting hit by men in the NFL.
January 15th, 2020 at 12:32 PM ^
I could see a 1 and done, or 2 and done adopted easily. Especially if kids who declare and don't get drafted are allowed to come back. Some 18-19 year olds definitely could hold up in the NFL (Jabrill Peppers comes to mind).
January 15th, 2020 at 8:39 AM ^
This whole post and especially your comment listing his accolades made me realize how much I've tuned out the NFL over the past decade. I've never heard of this guy.
Edit: Meant to reply to Putin
January 15th, 2020 at 1:26 PM ^
You are correct. If you don't know who Kuechly is you have totally tuned out the NFL.
January 15th, 2020 at 4:39 PM ^
There have been several early and rather sudden retirements in the last couple years, and the trend is interesting. It is refreshing in a way to see athletes move towards self-preservation, but I do wonder if the NFL will say anything about it if the trend continues.
January 15th, 2020 at 4:53 PM ^
There have been several early and rather sudden retirements in the last couple years, and the trend is interesting. It is refreshing in a way to see athletes move towards self-preservation, but I do wonder if the NFL will say anything about it if the trend continues.