Former Carolina Panthers All-Pro linebacker Luke Kuechly shocked the NFL community by announcing his retirement this past January at just 28 years old.

However, Kuechly is hoping to stay involved in football, at least in some capacity.

Kuechly explained he might have interest in a front office role or broadcasting during an interview with Mike Tirico, and he also said he has spoken to Panthers special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn about coaching (via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk):

Kuechly told Tirico he hopes to “find a way to stay involved in football somehow.” He mentioned coaching, a front office role and broadcasting as possibilities and discussed seeing Jason Witten, Tony Romo and Ronde Barber in the latter role as something that held some appeal.

“Those guys, you can tell that they played at a high level and they still have the ability to stay involved with the game,” Kuechly said. “I think that part is something that’s attractive to me just in the sense that they played it and are still involved it in an interesting role.”

New Panthers head coach Matt Rhule also said he would love to have Kuechly on his staff after the five-time All-Pro announced his retirement, so it seems Kuechly has options.

Of course, the broadcasting route is among the most popular for former players. Even current New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been working on a deal to join NBC in the booth as an analyst for Sunday Night Football once he decides to retire. Kuechly, of the Panthers, can add another NFC South presence to a booth if he chooses.

Regardless of what he decides to do, Kuechly is exploring his options to remain in the game, now that his playing career with the Panthers is over.

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