I never hold it against a Football player when they retire early this isn't a safe game to play, and when the risks begin to outweigh the reward it just isn't worth it to take any more of it.
I have a hard time saying "early" - it's just sooner than we, as fans, would want them to so we can see them perform more awesome moments and highlights. But it is, IMO at least, better to walk away on your own terms then be forced to because of age or debilitating injuries. Good for Luke! He had an amazing career.
After having suffered 5 concussions he realized he had a family to consider and he couldn't take care of them if turned into a sponge, so he retired. Smart man.
Yeah, I've watched a lot of guys retire, get traded, move on in FA, but as a Panthers fan that one stung a bit because he was that good and he was just reaching his prime. But at the end of the day, everyone knew that for him and his family, it was definitely the right move. It was just far too big a gamble to keep playing and wondering if its going to be his last play? I wonder what's going to happen with Tua now that he's had at least 3 pretty serious concussions they know of? Only reason I say that is because I'm sure most football players that start at a young age already have all kinds of hard knocks that probably never got checked out.
Concussions are no joke. My son had 3 as a college wrestler. He didn't wrestle his 4th year, and isn't the same person anymore. Peace to Luke. Great story. Thanks!
Still a hall of famer because he went to a Super Bowl, has DPOY, ROY, was either a probowler or all pro every year, but most importantly…retired in his prime. He didn’t fizzle out or have a bunch of unproductive years at the end like others, he simply stopped to preserve his health like Willis or Megatron. Miss watching him play, one of the best defenders of my life
@@aveglenn51 yes! Especially guys like Julio jones who don’t get my will definitely be a hall of famer, but hasn’t really been elite for over three seasons and injuries just keep piling up despite him not even being a consistent starter
@@tclott316 I wouldn’t say that. I think if great players don’t reach a Super Bowl it shouldn’t hurt their chances depending on circumstances, however if a player makes it or wins it and he was a major reason why is team got there, it should help their cause.
I can understand why defensive players retire early, especially LB's. These guys stay in so much pain. Remember how sore you were after a high school game? or middle school, or even little league game. Now imagine doing it in the pro's. Not only that but being a LB in the NFL, a really good LB that's in on the tackle 90% of the time. If he hasn't already done permanent damage he was smart enough to realize his body couldn't keep it up without sustaining the permanent damage.
He retired early for his health. Concussions add up and take their toll. You can still see his compassion for the game when he talks today. Dudes a first ballot HOF based on his short resume.
The greatest linebacker I've ever seen play in my lifetime! a killer playing style and very smart. He was like a QB on defense with the way he predicted plays
He was a STUD coming out of college I vividly remember his combine and seeing his highlights thinking he would be something special but never imagined he’d be this great over his career
As a 49ers fan, who grew up playing linebacker my all time favorite player is Patrick Willis and it’s crazy how similar him and Luke Kuechly are. Both played 7 seasons and made 5 first team all pros and 7 pro bowls, both led the league in tackles twice and both won defensive rookie of the year, both played in one Super Bowl and both retired earlier than expected. I don’t understand how it took Patrick Willis 10 years to be inducted into the hall of fame (you become eligible after 5 years of retirement) he should have been first ballot. Maybe im just biased, but judging off this i see Luke Kuechley being inducted around 2028/2029
Watched every snap never seen him make one mistake. Best linebacker ive ever seen maybe player. He made his teamates better.the panthers havmt beem the same since he retired.
My man nice vid. Yo shout out to the lax bros!!! Didn't know Kuechly played lacrosse. My little guy has been playing lacrosse for 8yrs and just started playing football for the school as a 7th grader. Going to show him this vid later.
Kuechly retiring early really shocked me as I had always assumed he was relatively injury-free. But after learning more about his concussion history I thought he'd made one of the smartest decisions any pro athlete could make. Hopefully he will escape the more severe consequences of CTE, but the more we learn about it, the more sinister it appears. As Lombardi said, football is a collision sport. And the collisions are what makes it appealing to both players and paying fans alike. There's only so much that "fluffier" helmets can do to mitigate the F=MA equation.
Hands down the greatest panther ever with Steve smith #2 only cause he left for Baltimore.. when it comes to heart for the game , luuuuke and steve were the best examples.. keep pounding Carolina
Randomly retired? There was nothing random about it. Many had already assumed he would be retiring because of his serious concussion issues. You have to be the only person that thinks this was a surprise to anyone LOL.
There was also the Aaron Hernandez documentary that came out around that time. I feel that really had an impact. Because it heavily talked about CTE. I just remember watching it then the next day Luke retired.
I honestly think he left the scouting department because he pushed for us to draft Parsons, and got ignored as they drafted Horn.. I don't think he liked where the Panthers were headed. idk, just a thought. Great video!
I remember when we drafted Luke, everyone hated the pick. Every on air personality on local radio was complaining about the Panthers not drafting a defensive tackle. Ultimately they were right. We should have drafted Fletcher Cox who's still playing at a high level years after Luke retired.
I honestly think there should be an 8 year cap on all players. Not only will it protect the players, but it would also make the league more competitive.
Being a Seahawk fan, I always compared him with our guy, Bobby Wagner. Bobby will be the HOF one day and I hope Luke will also. The HOF likes to have members play for a long time, Luke should have the years, we'll see. Sure was a great player.
Great video. Thank you for doing it. I stopped caring about the Panthers the day Kuechly retired. He was the last of the old guard as far as I am concerned. He played fast and hard and never quit. He will be in the Panthers Ring of Honor one day, and sadly that will most likely be the highest accolade he receives as I doubt his career was enough to garner HOF status. In my opinion it was, but I do not get a voice in that regard. He was also a great influence on the Charlotte community.
@@JustFootball i know they didn't really fade away but i would love to see you do videos on Steve Smith and Julius Peppers. Especially with Peppers getting inducted into the HOF now.
Are you serious? 7 all pros is more than enough to make the HOF. Actually Luke’s accolades make him look like a top 10 LB ever and watching him play moves him even higher
Nope. Not a HOFer. No Rings. That's what gets you in. Without them you need over a decade of constant performance and he didn't make that. Love the man. Dont get me wrong. No one was more happy than I when he would blow up a play, but he won't make HOF.
It's amazing how people who never played just don't get it. It's like people are stupid on purpose. A player will have enough money to either take care of himself and his family for the rest of his life, or at least allow him to do what he wants. And you can walk away without permanent brain damage. Or, you can keep playing until CTE is absolutely guaranteed along with wrecked joints and other chronic pain, to earn money that you'll never get to spend. My son played college football, and walked away from it his senior year. Even in college, there are guys with multiple concussions that can't wait to get back out on the field. It's disgusting.
He’s a HOF’er for sure. There has only been maybe 2 others like him… LT and Ray Lewis in his prime… could cover 2 and stuff the run. He did say very early that he just wanted to play 9yrs. I came back way too early from multiple concussions as a young one in the early 2000’s and came back playing semi in the 2012-2013 seasons. I regret it very much as the Drs. That I spoke with almost 10-13 yrs before told be that my brain had been bruised. My parents and I not quite understanding … I ended up enlisting in the Marines and suffering more head trauma, but it being redacted or withheld from any documents as I discribe it … as just going to the Dr. I’m 41 now and wish I had the money as well as the support or intelligence to retire as he did. I admired him while he played and respected him moreso when he decided to retire.
I'm a Ravens fan. Ray is the GOAT. But Luke could have been 2nd if he continued on. He just didn't compare in the solo tackle department (ray has about 3x as many while only played less than 2x the games). He was him for sure
Made it to 9 minutes. You couldn't let Luke speak for himself but show the entire footage? This is exactly what creative use is for! Its more like you love your own voice. There are several channels like this one, where the narrator thinks we are here for them. Nah, we ain't. And won't be back. Better go get a 9-5.
He is the merger of Brian urlacker(probably spelled wrong). Hw will murder you any chance he gets. But also has the skills of Derrick Brooks(my personal greatest lb ever). Luke was the gad damm man. Never forget.im a buck fan and love Luke
I never hold it against a Football player when they retire early
this isn't a safe game to play, and when the risks begin to outweigh the reward it just isn't worth it to take any more of it.
Yea concussions are nothing to play with
Luke was an absolute beast and an all around great dude perfect role model for kids as well.
I have a hard time saying "early" - it's just sooner than we, as fans, would want them to so we can see them perform more awesome moments and highlights. But it is, IMO at least, better to walk away on your own terms then be forced to because of age or debilitating injuries. Good for Luke! He had an amazing career.
After having suffered 5 concussions he realized he had a family to consider and he couldn't take care of them if turned into a sponge, so he retired. Smart man.
Concussions are not to be taken lightly. Im proud of Kuechly for stepping aside.
Yeah, I've watched a lot of guys retire, get traded, move on in FA, but as a Panthers fan that one stung a bit because he was that good and he was just reaching his prime. But at the end of the day, everyone knew that for him and his family, it was definitely the right move. It was just far too big a gamble to keep playing and wondering if its going to be his last play?
I wonder what's going to happen with Tua now that he's had at least 3 pretty serious concussions they know of? Only reason I say that is because I'm sure most football players that start at a young age already have all kinds of hard knocks that probably never got checked out.
Luke saw the writing on the wall with the organization and left with his health intact
And his sanity
Concussions are no joke. My son had 3 as a college wrestler. He didn't wrestle his 4th year, and isn't the same person anymore. Peace to Luke. Great story. Thanks!
He's the same person, just being expressed in a different way. The soul cannot be destroyed.
@andre1987eph Definitely something to think about. Thanks!
@@andre1987ephthat’s deep af
He still could have been one of the best linebackers today.
Easily
Not in that 3-4 we switched to. Then again🤔 thats Luke. Im 2nd guessing myself
HE'LL BE EVEN BETTER ON THAT 3-4 LOL@@charlotte_boy86
i didnt even realize he retired
@@charlotte_boy86no that’s opposite to logic. In a 4-3 he had to cover a 1/3 of the field. In a 3-4 he would just cover a 4th
Luuuuuuuke!!! Panthers fans miss your play on the field but love that you are still with the organization.
The Panthers GOAT.
Still a hall of famer because he went to a Super Bowl, has DPOY, ROY, was either a probowler or all pro every year, but most importantly…retired in his prime.
He didn’t fizzle out or have a bunch of unproductive years at the end like others, he simply stopped to preserve his health like Willis or Megatron.
Miss watching him play, one of the best defenders of my life
feel more players need to understand this and do this for their health and legacy
@@aveglenn51 yes! Especially guys like Julio jones who don’t get my will definitely be a hall of famer, but hasn’t really been elite for over three seasons and injuries just keep piling up despite him not even being a consistent starter
Super Bowls mean absolutely nothing to the Hall of Fame.
Everything else, yes.
But Super Bowls are a nonfactor
@@tclott316 I wouldn’t say that. I think if great players don’t reach a Super Bowl it shouldn’t hurt their chances depending on circumstances, however if a player makes it or wins it and he was a major reason why is team got there, it should help their cause.
@@gideonpowers5794 it doesn’t matter if you agree or not.
The HOF committee has stated it, multiple times. Super Bowls do not matter
I can understand why defensive players retire early, especially LB's. These guys stay in so much pain. Remember how sore you were after a high school game? or middle school, or even little league game. Now imagine doing it in the pro's. Not only that but being a LB in the NFL, a really good LB that's in on the tackle 90% of the time. If he hasn't already done permanent damage he was smart enough to realize his body couldn't keep it up without sustaining the permanent damage.
Luke was such a great player.
Arguably the best panther ever!
Great person too
He retired early for his health. Concussions add up and take their toll. You can still see his compassion for the game when he talks today. Dudes a first ballot HOF based on his short resume.
The greatest linebacker I've ever seen play in my lifetime! a killer playing style and very smart. He was like a QB on defense with the way he predicted plays
He was a STUD coming out of college I vividly remember his combine and seeing his highlights thinking he would be something special but never imagined he’d be this great over his career
As a 49ers fan, who grew up playing linebacker my all time favorite player is Patrick Willis and it’s crazy how similar him and Luke Kuechly are. Both played 7 seasons and made 5 first team all pros and 7 pro bowls, both led the league in tackles twice and both won defensive rookie of the year, both played in one Super Bowl and both retired earlier than expected. I don’t understand how it took Patrick Willis 10 years to be inducted into the hall of fame (you become eligible after 5 years of retirement) he should have been first ballot. Maybe im just biased, but judging off this i see Luke Kuechley being inducted around 2028/2029
I’m a panthers fan in the bay area and all my boys are 49ers fans and that’s one of the few things we do agree on, is how raw both of these guys were
Let’s go man been a fan for a long time it’s so great to see the original voice is back I’m so hyped!!!!
Thanks for being a fan! WE ARE BACK BETTER THAN EVER!
@@JustFootballcan’t wait to see what you (or you guys I don’t know who else helps) put out, these really are the most bingable nfl content
@@Xqzbathanks for the kind words!
He should be in the HOF soon imo,
that dude gave my Falcons pure hell whenever he was on the field
I can’t fathom how underrated you are. Please keep making these awesome videos.
THANKS! More coming soon!
THE LEGEND RETURNS!!!!!!
HERE TO STAY!
Watched every snap never seen him make one mistake. Best linebacker ive ever seen maybe player. He made his teamates better.the panthers havmt beem the same since he retired.
Maybe that crazy moss Julio Jones got on him. It wasn’t really bad coverage though, and having a lb on Julio freaking Jones is stupid anyways.
This is the first video I have watched on your channel, I'm looking forward to watching more!
🔥video
Thank you more content coming soon, I’ll give you a hint on the next video it’s about the greatest wide receiver for the team in Georgia 😉
LETS GO MY MAN BACK 🔥🗣
HE'S BACK!!!!
TO STAY!
My man nice vid. Yo shout out to the lax bros!!! Didn't know Kuechly played lacrosse. My little guy has been playing lacrosse for 8yrs and just started playing football for the school as a 7th grader. Going to show him this vid later.
I appreciate it
Dude was a problem when he was on the panthers, much respect to luke and thats comin frm a saints fan
Kuechly retiring early really shocked me as I had always assumed he was relatively injury-free. But after learning more about his concussion history I thought he'd made one of the smartest decisions any pro athlete could make. Hopefully he will escape the more severe consequences of CTE, but the more we learn about it, the more sinister it appears. As Lombardi said, football is a collision sport. And the collisions are what makes it appealing to both players and paying fans alike. There's only so much that "fluffier" helmets can do to mitigate the F=MA equation.
Yep, 100%. And after tonight's game, I think Tua should be considering it, which is a heartbreaker
Ive still never seen a better tackler. His tackle totals from college to the NFL is down right insane.
Him and Patrick Willis had the exact same career only about 3 years apart
Your right!
You should do more rise and falls of recent nfl teams like you did for jacksonville
I’ve got some coming…stay tuned
His pursuit and angles are unmatched to this day.
Ayy he’s back! 🔥
TO STAY!
Great video bro 🤌🏼
Thanks for watching hope you enjoy some of my other vids as well
I know you guys probably don’t believe me but Luke keukly is currently my assistant football coach next to Greg Olsen
WELCOME BACK!!
Thanks!
That was a awesome short about Luke
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hands down the greatest panther ever with Steve smith #2 only cause he left for Baltimore.. when it comes to heart for the game , luuuuke and steve were the best examples.. keep pounding Carolina
Ay your back man
I am!
Randomly retired? There was nothing random about it. Many had already assumed he would be retiring because of his serious concussion issues. You have to be the only person that thinks this was a surprise to anyone LOL.
Favorite player of all time
There was also the Aaron Hernandez documentary that came out around that time. I feel that really had an impact. Because it heavily talked about CTE. I just remember watching it then the next day Luke retired.
I can remember seeing Kuechly at BC hockey games. And yes, he did look like Clark Kent.
would tune into panthers game just for kuechly. what a legendary player, def belongs in panthers hof
I honestly think he left the scouting department because he pushed for us to draft Parsons, and got ignored as they drafted Horn.. I don't think he liked where the Panthers were headed. idk, just a thought.
Great video!
I remember when we drafted Luke, everyone hated the pick. Every on air personality on local radio was complaining about the Panthers not drafting a defensive tackle. Ultimately they were right. We should have drafted Fletcher Cox who's still playing at a high level years after Luke retired.
What happened to the Julio Jones video?
Had to remake it it’s coming back soon….very soon
I honestly think there should be an 8 year cap on all players. Not only will it protect the players, but it would also make the league more competitive.
I remember him getting that 2nd concussion and that look on his face said it all: he knew he wasn't signing another contract
Being a Seahawk fan, I always compared him with our guy, Bobby Wagner. Bobby will be the HOF one day and I hope Luke will also. The HOF likes to have members play for a long time, Luke should have the years, we'll see. Sure was a great player.
Patrick Willis just made it I’m sure Luke will too
Great video. Thank you for doing it. I stopped caring about the Panthers the day Kuechly retired. He was the last of the old guard as far as I am concerned. He played fast and hard and never quit. He will be in the Panthers Ring of Honor one day, and sadly that will most likely be the highest accolade he receives as I doubt his career was enough to garner HOF status. In my opinion it was, but I do not get a voice in that regard. He was also a great influence on the Charlotte community.
Glad you enjoyed it
@@JustFootball i know they didn't really fade away but i would love to see you do videos on Steve Smith and Julius Peppers. Especially with Peppers getting inducted into the HOF now.
Are you serious? 7 all pros is more than enough to make the HOF. Actually Luke’s accolades make him look like a top 10 LB ever and watching him play moves him even higher
Nope. Not a HOFer. No Rings. That's what gets you in. Without them you need over a decade of constant performance and he didn't make that. Love the man. Dont get me wrong. No one was more happy than I when he would blow up a play, but he won't make HOF.
I named my dog after him!
He was awesome!
What up? Or welcome back
Thanks stay tuned to the channel more vids coming
Where did you go bro? I missed watching these
LIFE, BUT IM BACK!
@@JustFootball That's good
I feel good for Luke retiring. Too much head trauma. He got out at the right time, his health intact
One of 2 Panthers jerseys I ever got. The other being Jake.
I've always wanted to how pissed he was at Cam for not diving for the ball 😊
goat football channel
Thank you make sure you subscribe for new videos every week
Can and Luke are the reason I'm a Panthers fan
One was a thief! He didn’t play linebacker!
Cam???
Lukeeeeeeeee
DAVID JOHNSON TASTE THE TURF
Beast!
He played the game like it was meant to be played the most complete LB of the modern day
Luke is def a Hall Of Famer IMO but idk if he’ll make it bc of the early retirement
he will, willis getting in with his also early retirement says the voters realize short but dominant careers are hof worthy
On sheer talent alone, Luke's a HoFer
It's amazing how people who never played just don't get it. It's like people are stupid on purpose. A player will have enough money to either take care of himself and his family for the rest of his life, or at least allow him to do what he wants. And you can walk away without permanent brain damage. Or, you can keep playing until CTE is absolutely guaranteed along with wrecked joints and other chronic pain, to earn money that you'll never get to spend. My son played college football, and walked away from it his senior year. Even in college, there are guys with multiple concussions that can't wait to get back out on the field. It's disgusting.
He was the best LB ive ever seen but not with the greatest career sadly.
Future HOF inductee
He’s a HOF’er for sure. There has only been maybe 2 others like him… LT and Ray Lewis in his prime… could cover 2 and stuff the run. He did say very early that he just wanted to play 9yrs. I came back way too early from multiple concussions as a young one in the early 2000’s and came back playing semi in the 2012-2013 seasons. I regret it very much as the Drs. That I spoke with almost 10-13 yrs before told be that my brain had been bruised. My parents and I not quite understanding … I ended up enlisting in the Marines and suffering more head trauma, but it being redacted or withheld from any documents as I discribe it … as just going to the Dr. I’m 41 now and wish I had the money as well as the support or intelligence to retire as he did. I admired him while he played and respected him moreso when he decided to retire.
Thank you sharing, and for your service I am also a current service member
Carolina could've given him more for the 5 year extension because he was totally worth more... and this is coming from a Falcons fan.
I'm a Ravens fan. Ray is the GOAT. But Luke could have been 2nd if he continued on.
He just didn't compare in the solo tackle department (ray has about 3x as many while only played less than 2x the games).
He was him for sure
I’m a ravens fan as well
Shirt answer he valued his life
Smart decision 👌
Used to play with him on madden
Made it to 9 minutes. You couldn't let Luke speak for himself but show the entire footage? This is exactly what creative use is for! Its more like you love your own voice. There are several channels like this one, where the narrator thinks we are here for them. Nah, we ain't. And won't be back. Better go get a 9-5.
Thanks for watching!
Bruh im a saints fan and i always thought it was pronounced like Kwee-Klee
Next stop, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Bros back??
YUP!
someone shud do a vid on all time early retired players..luke..pat willis..barry sanders..megatron..etc
Got you!
He got out at the right time...The Panthers aren't winning anything until they get rid of Tepper - The worst owner in any sport.
A good career recap but you never answered the title question of your video.
I did towards the end
Yes he did.
Concussions!
Brain damage ain't nothing to play with.
He is the merger of Brian urlacker(probably spelled wrong). Hw will murder you any chance he gets. But also has the skills of Derrick Brooks(my personal greatest lb ever). Luke was the gad damm man. Never forget.im a buck fan and love Luke
Golden Age of the Panthers. Now my team is in ruins due to the worst owner in Professional sports.
People feared Clark Kent 59
What happned to you it’s been a year
Life but I’m back
@@JustFootball Please tell me this is ture
He was alright….
He is the last great linebacker
He was a problem. I loved his play and I'm a Lions fans.
Newton just a poser anyway
LK deserved better
Concussion aren't something to take lightly
All those tackles wht caused his sudden retirement
WHERE U BEEN MAN?
HAD TO HANDLE SOME PERSONAL STUFF! BUT IM BACK!
@@JustFootball YESSIR MAN
He play like he was 6.6 275lb😢 with Reckless abandonment and he wasn't
Hof eligible in 2025
It's a lock right?
Easy money
I miss this dude. Still looks like he could crack heads, but that was the problem in the first place.
Randomly? He had 100 concussions
I'll say it
Better than Ray Lewis
got paid and got out, is it that confusing?
Fell short to von miller lol
He easily could of played 5 more seasons
He retired