Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly shocked the NFL universe Tuesday night when he announced his retirement from the NFL.
“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/mSDyJ0iEMw
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020
Kuechly, 28, is considered one of the best linebackers of his generation. He's started all 118 games of his career with the Panthers, totaling 1,092 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 18 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.
Kuechly will be impossible to replace for rookie coach Matt Rhule and the Panthers defense, but they could end up looking at two of the Bears' key free agents as possible candidates, depending on the scheme Carolina runs in life after Ron Rivera.