The Carolina Panthers will have to look for a new linebacker as Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from the National Football League. While Christian McCaffrey was saddened by the departure of his future Hall of Fame teammate, he understands why one of the best inside linebackers the league has ever seen has decided to call it quits.

McCaffrey was asked about his thoughts on Kuechly's retirement, and he was generally supportive of the linebacker's decision to call it quits. According to Panthers Wire's Tim Weaver, the team's leading running back will miss his on-field contributions.

“Luke is the poster child. I'm going to miss him a lot. But I'm so happy for him. One of the best to ever play the game. I was honored to get three years with him.”

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles former player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce reacts before in a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce hits USA Flag QB with fiery ‘not the best’ reality checkMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Team USA flag football star blasts idea of NFL players in 2028 OlympicsBenedetto Vitale ·

Kuelchy, who has seven Pro Bowls and five First-Team All-Pro mentions to his name, cited the condition of his body as the main reason why he's retiring at only 28 years old. He's suffered three concussions already in his short career with the Panthers.

‘It makes me sad because I love playing this game,' Kuechly said, via The Daily Mail. ‘I've played it since I was a kid. It's my favorite thing to do in the world. The memories I have from this place and this organization and being on the field with these guys, they will never go away.

Without their star linebacker, the Panthers will be hard-pressed to find a suitable replacement for him in the offseason. While there are many viable candidates out there, no one can possibly match Kuechly's impact on the field.