Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has announced his shock retirement from the NFL at the age of 28.
A seven-time Pro Bowler, Panthers star Kuechly dropped the bombshell on Tuesday following eight seasons in the league.
Kuechly, pick nine in the 2012 NFL Draft, finishes his career with 1,092 tackles – the most in the league since he was drafted – and 18 interceptions.
He was also part of the 2015 team that reached the Super Bowl, while he helped the Panthers claim three NFC South titles.
He’s been in the middle of it all for the last 8 years.
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020
No one did it better. pic.twitter.com/pXxSgHIIoY
"I think now is the right chance for me to move on," Kuechly said. "It makes me sad because I love playing this game, I've played it since I was a kid. It's my favourite thing in the world to do.
"The memories I have from this place and this organisation and being on the field with these guys – they'll never go away.
"In my heart I know it's the right thing to do… There's only one way to play this game since I was a little kid – play fast, play physical and play strong. And at this point I don't know if I am able to do that anymore."
Kuechly did not offer a specific reason for his decision, but his career had been blighted by multiple concussions and shoulder issues in recent seasons.
“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/mSDyJ0iEMw
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020
Panthers owner David Tepper added: "Beyond his extraordinary performance on the field, Luke has had a tremendous impact on this organisation and region.
"In my two seasons with Luke, I quickly recognised how special of a person he is. The respect he gives and garners from others as well as the positive impact he has on his peers is second to none.
"It's obviously going to be very difficult for all of us because we know that no player can replace what he's been for this organisation for the last eight years. His presence can't be replicated."
Top Headlines
Featured Matches
Football
Arsenal
English Premier League
2-0
Brighton and Hove Albion
Aston Villa
English Premier League
2-0
Chelsea
Fulham
English Premier League
0-1
Newcastle United
Leeds United
English Premier League
2-0
West Bromwich Albion
Leicester City
English Premier League
2-1
Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City
English Premier League
2-0
Everton
Liverpool
English Premier League
1-0
Crystal Palace
Cricket
Sussex
Sri Lanka
Teams will be announced at the toss
Multan Sul..
Quetta Gla..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Islamabad..
Karachi Ki..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Peshawar Z..
Lahore Qal..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Islamabad..
Quetta Gla..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Lahore Qal..
Islamabad..
Teams will be announced at the toss
Mumbai Ind..
Delhi Capi..
Teams will be announced at the toss