Luke Kuechly, the Carolina Panthers’ perennial All-Pro linebacker, announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday in a video released by the team.
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At 28 years old, Kuechly’s retirement comes sooner than anyone around the NFL was expecting. In eight seasons with the Panthers, Kuechly racked up 1,092 career tackles, 75 tackles for loss 66 pass deflections and 18 interceptions.
“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/mSDyJ0iEMw
“It’s never the right time to step away, but now is the right time for me,” Kuechly said.