It would be easy to imagine Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, earnest, amiable and sporting a fresh "back-to-school" haircut, whistling the theme song to Leave it to Beaver as he comes off the practice field.
But after Tuesday's first minicamp session, the tune was a little more like Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here."
Kuechly, speaking to reporters for the first time since his shoulder surgery this spring, let a little angst trickle through his sunny disposition. And a little heartache, perhaps.
He just really misses playing football. For a four-time All-Pro, that's understandable.
"I just want to be out there, man," he said.