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"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, to play fast, to play physical to play strong. And at this point I don't know if I'm able to do that anymore," he said. "And that's the part that's most difficult. I still want to play, but I don't think it's the right decision."

Kuechly has played in 16 games in each of the past two seasons, but suffered reported concussions during the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons.

https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/01/15/luke- ... y-panthers

Kuechly is just 28 years old and arguably at the peak of his game. Given the physicality of the position he plays, I don't think anyone can criticize him for making this decision. And unlike Andrew Luck's retirement, the timing was right, occurring now before free agency and the draft, giving his former team plenty of time to adjust to his leaving.

Sometimes the hammer feels the impact as much as the nail.

He was pretty good, but got much better press than Wagner for most of his career even though I think
Wags was as good or better most of the time. He just didn't get as much hype.

On a rather selfish note, there is a comment on PFT that says since the Panthers have a new coach and
now have lost their defensive leader, they might go into a full rebuild. That might mean some player changes
and perhaps we could poach a player from their lineup that might not fit their new vision.

NorthHawk wrote:On a rather selfish note, there is a comment on PFT that says since the Panthers have a new coach and
now have lost their defensive leader, they might go into a full rebuild. That might mean some player changes
and perhaps we could poach a player from their lineup that might not fit their new vision.

Don't forget the impending departure of Cam Newton. If the Panthers go after one of the older veteran QB's that are anticipated to be on the market, say Phillip Rivers, then it would be less likely that they would go into full rebuild mode. But if they go after someone younger, like Marcus Mariota, then maybe they'll think that they can afford more time for a rebuild.

Lots of intrigue with the changes. It happens every year and with new coaches, some players might
be surprising cuts or trade bait if they don't fit the new regime's agenda.

I hope I'm wrong but Luke Kuechly is a prime candidate for CTE a few years down the road. He suffered three major concussions as I recall. He probably should have gotten out before now.

trents wrote:I hope I'm wrong but Luke Kuechly is a prime candidate for CTE a few years down the road. He suffered three major concussions as I recall. He probably should have gotten out before now.

Yes, as the OP states, it's reported that Kuechly sustained concussions in 2015, 2016, and 2017. That almost certainly factored into his decision.

Although he said he wasn't retiring because he objected to the hiring of Matt Rhule as HC, Ron Rivera's departure may have played a role on his mindset. With change comes uncertainty, and if you're already thinking about pulling the plug, having to play under a new head coach could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.