The biggest story in the NFL this week aside from preparation for the AFC and NFC Conference Championship games has been the sudden decision by Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly to retire.
Kuechly was a terror for the Panthers, twice leading the league in tackles while averaging 136.5 per season for his eight year career, intercepting 18 passes in his career and averaging more than half a tackle-for-loss each game he suited up for.
His NFL resume includes seven Pro Bowl selections, five appearances as a first-team All-Pro, three Butkus Awards and he was the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year.
“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/mSDyJ0iEMw
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020
It’s easy to forget but in no way a surprise, Kuechly was a monster on an otherwise entirely-forgettable Boston College team that went 19-19 in his three seasons in Chestnut Hill (2009-11).
During his time at BC, Kuechly walked away with the 2011 ACC Defensive Player of the Year award, as well as the Bronco Nagurski, Butkus, Lombardi and Lott Trophy Awards the same season. To boot he was a two-time Consensus All-American.
Kuechly and Boston College went 0-3 in three games against Notre Dame between 2009 and 2011. However, Kuechly’s stat-line in those three games was incredibly consistent.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNJHAq_igwU&w=560&h=315]
2009: Notre Dame 20, Boston College 16 at Notre Dame Stadium
Kuechly – 14 tackles (7 solo, 7 assists), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended
2010: Notre Dame 31, Boston College 13 at Alumni Stadium
Kuechly – 14 tackles, (7 solo, 7 assists), 1 tackle for loss
2011: Notre Dame 16, Boston College 14 at Notre Dame Stadium
Kuechly – 14 tackles (7 solo, 7 assists), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended
I’m not a mathmatician but it’s pretty easy to figure out his averages in those three games. So easy in fact that I’ll let you do it yourselves.
Congrats on one helluva career, Luke.