Luke Kuechly
Luke August Kuechly (/ˈkiːkli/; born April 20, 1991) is an American former professional football linebacker who spent all eight seasons of his National Football League (NFL) career with the Carolina Panthers. He was selected by the Panthers ninth overall in the 2012 NFL draft. Kuechly played college football for the Boston College Eagles, twice earning consensus All-American honors.
No. 59
April 20, 1991
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
238 lb (108 kg)
St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
Boston College (2009–2011)
2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9
1,092
1,092
12.5
18
66
7
9
2
Kuechly had an immediate impact during his rookie season, as he led the NFL in tackles and won the Associated Press 2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, becoming the third youngest recipient in its history.[1][2] In 2013, Kuechly became the youngest recipient of the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in its history.
After retiring following the 2019 season, Kuechly rejoined the Panthers as a pro scout. Kuechly resigned from his position in 2021.
Post-playing career[edit]
After retiring, Kuechly considered becoming a broadcaster or coach before deciding to enter scouting. On June 4, 2020, he returned to the Panthers as a pro scout.[128] Kuechly resigned from his scout position in the 2021 offseason.[129]
In August 2021, he was seen at a Buffalo Bills practice assisting his former defensive coordinator Sean McDermott.[130]
Player profile[edit]
Standing 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and weighing 238 pounds (108.0 kg), Kuechly was slightly taller but slightly lighter than the average linebacker (6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m), 246 pounds (111.6 kg)).[131] Kuechly was a top impact player each year in his professional career, and was frequently compared to Hall of Fame player Brian Urlacher.[132]
Through 2017 many analysts, coaches, and current and former players considered Kuechly to be the best linebacker in the game.[133][134][135][136] Kuechly had an immediate impact his rookie season, as he led the NFL in tackles[137] and won the Associated Press 2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, becoming the third youngest recipient in its history, and was voted the youngest recipient of the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in the award's history.[1][2] He was consistently ranked in the NFL Top 100 players throughout his career. In particular, he was rated among the best coverage players each year in his career and was rated the best coverage defender among all defensive players, by Pro Football Focus in 2015, which is considered a rare honor for a linebacker.[138]
Personal life[edit]
While attending St. Xavier High School, Kuechly wore number 3. After his rookie season in the NFL, Kuechly returned to Boston College and completed a full semester of classes toward his undergraduate degree. In 2015 he completed his final degree requirements to earn a marketing degree from the Boston College Carroll School of Management.[139][140]
Kuechly is a devout Roman Catholic, and credits his parents and his Catholic faith for making a positive impact on his NFL career and his outlook on life.
"I went to a Catholic grade school, Jesuit high school and a Jesuit college, and I think you just learn certain things growing up in that environment. Really, the biggest thing I learned from it is respect and to treat people correctly."[141]