5 players who deserved to win a Super Bowl with the Panthers
By Dean Jones
Pick Analysis. LUKEKUECHLY. 87. 4. player. Scouting Report. LINEBACKER. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Carolina Panthers: Player No. 4 – Luke Kuechly (LB)
The Carolina Panthers were dealt a hammer blow when Luke Kuechly announced his retirement this offseason. Although he is now back with the organization as a pro scout, his influence on the field with a young group is going to be sorely missed in 2020.
Kuechly was one of the primary forces behind the Panthers’ sensational season in 2015. This was typical of the sort of intensity and consistently that became a trademark of his potential Pro Football Hall of Fame career with the franchise.
The linebacker was the defensive lynchpin that complimented the Panthers’ outstanding offense under Cam Newton on their way to an NFC Championship in 2015. Kuechly eventually finished the campaign with 118 combined tackles, 76 solo tackles, two forced fumbles, ten pass deflections, four interceptions, and one sack.
light. Related Story. Carolina Panthers: Why Luke Kuechly will thrive in scouting role
This level of production was absolutely extraordinary. And although Kuechly was unable to end it all by hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy, he was one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Super Bowl outing overall from the team.
Kuechly’s decision to call it a day after eight years was probably the right one to make. He has suffered a series of concussions during his career. And there is just no telling what another 16-game schedule of punishing hits would have done for his long-term health.