Best starter at every Carolina Panthers position in franchise history
By Jason Huber
Luke Kuechly – Former Carolina Panthers LB
Not only is Luke Kuechly the greatest inside linebacker in Carolina Panthers history, but he is also among the greatest-ever players at the position anywhere in the league.
The sad part is that Kuechly was still at the peak of his game when he shockingly retired at the age of 28. Although he had all the right reasons for calling it a day to preserve his long-term health after a series of concussions.
Even though Panthers fans will always wonder what could have been achieved over the last two years with Kuechly in the lineup, the former Boston College star dominated during his time with the team from start to finish.
Kuechly was a five-time first-team All-Pro selection, seven-time Pro Bowler, and was the 2013 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He also won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012.
In total, Kuechly finished his luxurious career with 18 interceptions, seven forced fumbles, 12.5 sacks, and 1,092 total tackles. He was a tone-setting presence with an ungodly gift of deciphering plays from opposing offenses long before they came to the line of scrimmage.
It’ll be a long time until Carolina finds another guy like him. And it’s been a monumental task for the Panthers to find an adequate replacement since Kuechly opted to walk away from the game entirely.