Luke Kuechly was the best Linebacker in the NCAA in 2011, where the Boston College player would win the ACC Defensive Player of the Year Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, and Lott Trophy. He was drafted Ninth Overall in that year's draft by the Carolina Panthers, and he would immediately establish himself as one of the best interior linemen in the pro ranks.
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.
On the field, Kuechly was a master of all trades. He excelled as a pass rusher, a run stopper, and a versatile defender who could drop back with ease. His exemplary tackling skills and natural instincts made him the undisputed leader of the Panther's defence from the moment he joined. Under his leadership, the Panthers thrived, culminating in their appearance in Super Bowl 50.
If Kuechly had a calling card, it was his high football IQ. The definition of a defensive captain, few could read an offence as he could. Adaptable to any defensive scheme, Kuechly was a linebacking masterpiece.
He retired with 18 Interceptions and 1,092 Tackles, the latter being the most by any Linebacker since 2012. Kuechly has become another player in recent years to retire at the height of their game.
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