Luke Kuechly, one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL in recent years and the winner of the 2011 Lott IMPACT Trophy, has announced his retirement from the NFL.
“Luke is a man of courage and character,” said Ronnie Lott. “His body of work on and off the field is amazing. Honored to have him as a past recipient.”
“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do,” said Kuechly, who is only 28.
Kuechly, who was a phenomenal college star at Boston College, played his entire eight-year career with the Carolina Panthers, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He was the youngest player ever to win that honor.
In 2011, he led the nation with 191 tackles and won the Lott Trophy, the only player to do so on a losing team.
He returned to Boston College and earned his degree in 2015.