Luke Kuechly vs. NFL Hall of Fame inductees Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher
Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is on track to becoming a future NFL Hall of Fame member…
As the 2018 preseason officially kicks off tonight in Canton, Ohio with a game between the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears, two legends at the linebacker position are expected to be on hand. Both Ray Lewis (BAL) and Brian Urlacher (CHI) are among the members of this year’s Hall of Fame induction class and each made an impression on the position and Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Born in 1991, Kuechly was just five years old when Lewis entered the league and nine when Urlacher made his NFL debut. By then, Lewis had already been to three Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro the year prior. Over the next seven seasons, and when Kuechly was playing high school football for St. Xavier in Cincinnati, Lewis and Urlacher were both in the prime of their careers.
When asked by Paul Eide of i80SportsBlog who his favorite player was growing up, Kuechly didn’t hesitate – “Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher.” Commenting on their level of play and ability to extend it out over multiple seasons, Kuechly now finds himself being mentioned and compared in the same sentences as those he admired.
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In their first six years, Lewis and Urlacher were selected to five Pro Bowls and named a first-team All-Pro three times, Kuechly has matched their Pro Bowl selection numbers and bested the All-Pro category by one.
Impressive.
In 92 games, Lewis recorded 880 tackles, 19.5 sacks, made 12 interceptions and forced three fumbles. Urlacher played 89 games in six seasons, making 699 tackles, 32.5 sacks with an equal number of interceptions and forced fumbles, seven.
Kuechly, who has played 86 regular season games to start his career, is on a similar track to the newest Hall of Fame members. He’s registered 847 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, forced five fumbles and recovered eight, three more than Lewis or Urlacher.
Hampered by multiple concussions, Kuechly’s long-term health may be the only thing capable of keeping him out of the Hall of Fame. As he mentioned, both Lewis and Urlacher enjoyed long careers – playing 17 and 13 years, respectively. Kuechly enters year seven in 2018 meaning if a similar path continues, he’s only at the midpoint for his career.
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Hopefully he stays healthy and remains in a Panthers uniform for the duration of his time in the NFL. If so, he too will be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee down the road.