Cat Crave
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Luke Kuechly made me a fan from the beginning of his career

By Danny Jaillet

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Bert Reed #83 of the Florida State Seminoles is tackled by Jim Ramella #86 and Luke Kuechley #40 of the Boston College Eagles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Boston College defeated Florida State 28-21. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - OCTOBER 03: Bert Reed #83 of the Florida State Seminoles is tackled by Jim Ramella #86 and Luke Kuechley #40 of the Boston College Eagles on October 3, 2009 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Boston College defeated Florida State 28-21. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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For me, Luke Kuechly‘s career has come full-circle

I’m still trying to process what happened yesterday. It was a momentous day in Carolina Panthers history, as an all-time great retired. Linebacker Luke Kuechly is hanging it up after several seasons of quality football. Not just quality football, but outstanding football. He was the consummate professional day in and day out. It always seemed like he was ready to play, even if his injuries were sometimes too much for him to handle. Thankfully, I had the pleasure of watching him begin his journey on the ascent to greatness.

Boston College is about an hour and a half away from where I live. As a kid, I attended many Boston College football games and many spring games as well. It was during one of those spring games that I got to meet  him. As I approached him on the field for an autograph, I said to my dad “This guy is going to be a special football player.” At the time, he was only a sophomore. However, he would go on to have one of the most prolific careers that any Boston College linebacker would have.

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In 38 games at Chestnut Hill, he would have 532 tackles. I remember watching him on TV, and just being amazed at how well he played the linebacker position. The way he played was something I always took great respect in, and it was part of the reason why he instantly became one of my favorite players. He always attacked a play. He never shied away from contact, nor did he take his eyes off the play. He would identify a ballcarrier, react to it, and record a huge hit. He was a heat-seeking missile in that way.

From being named a three-time First-Team all-American in 2009-11 as well as being a three-time first-team all-ACC honoree in that same span, he made an impact instantly. From winning the Butkus and Lombardi Awards in 2011 to being named to the FWAA 75th Anniversary All-America Team in 2015, there was no college linebacker that did things better in that period of time.

I was thrilled when he got drafted by the Carolina Panthers, and even more thrilled for my favorite Boston College Eagles football team. I wondered how well he would do in the National Football League. I thought he would have a very good career. As it turns out, he had a great one. The football intelligence he displayed at Boston College transferred over to the professional ranks. He was able to carry with him that same passion and that same level of football smarts. He was truly a joy to watch in Carolina, and it was fun to see a Boston College alum have so much success.

As my dad and I approached Kuechly in the autograph line, he gave me a huge smile and shook my hand He knelt down to make eye contact with me in my wheelchair, and took a picture with me. I sent him the picture via email once I got home from the spring game. I thanked him for taking it, and he responded back.

"“Hey Danny, No problem man, thanks for coming out to the spring game to support us, i hope you had as much fun as we did on Saturday. Have a good day.  -Luke Kuechly"

That meant the world to me, and it always will. Luke will always be one of my favorite players and I am happy that he had such a great career. Enjoy retirement Luke, thank you for the memories.

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