On Wednesday afternoon, formally facing media for the first time since his frightening Thursday Night Football concussion, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly raised his left hand to give a thumbs-up to assure us all that he is OK.
He’s been getting the question for a month. Texts from family and friends and high school acquaintances and teammates. Inquiries from fans at the Panthers’ annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony and patrons at his favorite restaurants.
Kuechly is fine, he says. He wants to play the final two games of the regular season and the Pro Bowl but it’s unclear if he will be allowed to.