Gut-punched. That’s the sensation we’re feeling right now at Panthers Wire, and it’s one a lot of Carolina fans must be sharing. Tonight, All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from the NFL. He leaves behind a massive void in the middle of the team’s defense and an even bigger one in its heart.

As you might imagine, Kuechly’s teammates are taking the shocking news pretty hard. Here’s what they are saying on Twitter about it.

TE Greg Olsen

Words can’t describe who Luke Kuechly is as a person, friend, and teammate. We have shared countless memories together both on the field and away from it. I feel honored to be his friend and I’ll always appreciate the impact he has had on my life. Love you buddy pic.twitter.com/0DHYkOwDp1

— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) January 15, 2020

DE Mario Addison

Nooooo Luke, I’m super lost right now

— Mario Addison (@HIT_STIQ4) January 15, 2020

OT Dennis Daley

🤯

— Crank954 🇯🇲☝🏾 (@DennisDaley74) January 15, 2020

Former LB Thomas Davis

I couldn’t be more proud to call you my brother! Congrats on a heck of a career! The game will miss you as much as you miss the game bro! I love you my brother! https://t.co/6jw3C1xeZK

— Thomas Davis (@ThomasDavisSDTM) January 15, 2020

CB Donte Jackson

LUUUUUUUKKKKKKEEEE 😢🙏🏾 https://t.co/jpLeggBp3r

— Donte Action Jackson (@_DJack01) January 15, 2020

RB Reggie Bonnafon

HALL OF FAME GUY⚠️💯 https://t.co/RMakIRlWej

— Reggie Bonnafon (@RelentlessReg1) January 15, 2020

WR Jarius Wright

✊🏾 https://t.co/qyxfDysrQQ

— Jay Wright (@Jay_wright4) January 15, 2020

S Tre Boston

One of the Best Teammates I’ve ever had! The 1st person you meet when you come into the locker room. Always told people I’d teach my son to be like you! You’re the model of The Standard! Future HOFer! Proud to call you one of the bros! One heck of a career! Love you bro! LUUUUKE! https://t.co/NcB3MQExMg

— Tre Boston (@TreBos10) January 15, 2020

WR D.J. Moore

In the short time I have been here in Carolina it’s been a pleasure to learn from you and play with you. Will be missed💫 #greatteammate https://t.co/L9Dbyh4yjU

— DJ Moore💫 (@idjmoore) January 15, 2020

The team will almost certainly be looking to pick up a linebacker early in this year’s draft class to take his place in the lineup. However, even if they get a tremendous talent at No. 7 there’s no replacing what Kuechly has meant to this team. It’s been a privilege watching and writing about Kuechly’s game and he will be missed immensely.

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“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/mSDyJ0iEMw

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly just announced that he’s walking away from football in a video shared by the team. Watch.

Kuechly was a first-round pick by Carolina in the 2012 draft. He’s been one of the best and most consistent defenders in the league since that selection. In 118 games, he’s totaled a remarkable 1,092 combined tackles. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time First Team All-Pro.

Kuechly’s legacy is literally still being written, but he should be remembered as one of the top-two linebackers of this era at the very least. Stunning.

This is obviously a sad day for Kuechly, his fans and everyone else involved. What matters above all is his life. Kuechly suffered several concussions during his career and if he’s putting his long-term health at risk by continuing to play then this is ultimately for the best.