5 former Panthers from the Ron Rivera era that could help in 2022
By Dean Jones
Luke Kuechly – Former Carolina Panthers LB
One of the biggest blows Matt Rhule’s received since becoming Carolina Panthers head coach is the premature retirement of Luke Kuechly. The legendary linebacker was forced to call it a day after eight glittering seasons to preserve his long-term health, which was the right thing to do no matter how disappointing it seemed at the time.
Ron Rivera made a big call by avoiding other needs to select Kuechly at No. 9 overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. But it didn’t take long for those in front of Carolina that year to kick themselves for ignoring the former Boston College standout.
Kuechly was a phenomenon in every sense of the word.
His intelligence, explosiveness, and natural instincts were all at levels seldom seen throughout NFL history. Although it did not bring an elusive first Super Bowl to the Panthers, his career should be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day.
Finding a successor to Kuechly has been a thankless task for the Panthers. They are now onto their third starting middle linebacker in as many seasons without the perennial All-Pro, who’s been seen around the team facility a lot during offseason workouts so far.
There will never be another Kuechly. But if things had been different, then the Panthers might not have flattered to deceive during the first two years of Rhule’s tenure.