CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Linebacker Luke Kuechly may have retired from play, but don’t rule out a future with the Carolina Panthers organization.
ESPN reports Kuechly is interested in a role as an adviser, coach or an executive. He could also pursue a career in broadcasting.
Kuechly announced his retirement last Tuesday after eight seasons with the Panthers, saying it’s the right thing to do and that he is not sure if he can play as fast and as physical as he did.
“It’s never the right time to step away, but now is the right time for me,” Kuechly said in a video posted online by the team. “It’s a tough decision. I’ve thought about it a lot, and I think now is the right chance for me to move on. In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.”
Kuechly, 28, has been the face of the Panthers defense and has been one of the best linebackers to play since he was drafted in 2012.
He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and followed that up by winning NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
He made seven Pro Bowls and was named an AP All-Pro seven times, five of which were first-team. However, he suffered three concussions during his career, which may have led to his decision.
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