Kuechly started originally but was playing at the exterior until Jon Beason was injured, and Kuechly would take over at his natural Middle Linebacker position.  He would win the Defensive Rookie of the Year, and astounding as that was, this was arguably the weakest of his career.

From 2013 to 2019, he would be named to the Pro Bowl, with five of those seasons, seeing Kuechly be named First Team All-Pro.  In the two that he didn't win that honor, he was a Second Team All-Pro.  Kuechly would win the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2013.  Except for this rookie season, he had an Approximate Value of at least 10, and he was a two-time leader in Tackles.

Keuchly did it all.  He was an excellent pass rusher, could stuff the running game, and dropped back at ease.  Also, an exemplary tackler, he was the leader of the Panthers defense almost from the time he got there, and few players ever matched his natural instincts on the gridiron. The Panthers were a successful team while he was there, and he was a huge reason that they reached Super Bowl 50.

He retires with 18 Interceptions and 1,092 Tackles, the latter being the most by any Linebacker since 2012.  Kuechly becomes another player in recent years to retire at the height of their game.