It’s been a while since the last time Carolina Panthers (and NFL) fans saw Luke Kuechly play. The former NFL star linebacker retired from the game in 2020 because of the head injuries he suffered in his career. He was just 28 years old when he decided to walk away from the game.
His retirement shocked a lot of people, considering his age and his status at the time as still one of the best defensive players in the league.
Kuechly earned seven Pro Bowl honors, won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. The former Boston College Eagles star also led the NFL twice in combined tackles.
Although he’s no longer playing football, Kuechly can still be seen making public appearances from time to time, including his recent participation in the Savannah Bananas event at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.
Fans react to Carolina Panthers legend’s hilarous approach to first pitch
Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Former Carolina Panthers great Luke Kuechly pounds the drum before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Beforeh is scheduled first pitch in the Savannah Bananas game against the Party Animals, Kuechly jokingly said that he was going to throw former New York Yankees star closer Mariano Rivera’s favorite pitch.
Fans seemed to love that moment, especially the intensity shown by Kuechly. They clearly miss Kuechly but are also happy at the same time to see him still having the competitive juice flowing inside him.
“Calling out the whole play man I miss you Luke”
“Convinced Luke should play the next Superman”
“Lukes watched the film. He knows.”
“We miss that type of communication on Sundays 🥹💙🏈”
“🔥 He knows who the GOAT is for pitching 🛌”
“He felt that stadium and thought it was 2015 again😂”
Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59), former St. Xavier High school star, talks with a teammate on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of their game played at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio Sunday October 12, 2014.
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