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Luke Kuechly, Andrew Luck, Calvin Johnson and NFL's Most Shocking Retirements

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement Tuesday after eight seasons.

Carolina Panthers @Panthers

“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” https://t.co/mSDyJ0iEMw

The 28-year-old was coming off another Pro Bowl year where he amassed 144 tackles in 16 starts and tied his career high of 12 passes defended.

More importantly, Kuechly was a universally respected player on and off the field, with scores of teammates and opponents offering kind words after the announcement, including Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas.