Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly was known for his elite football mind and commitment to preparation during his eight-year run anchoring the Carolina defense, among his other qualities. His dedication to film study was well-known, and it sounds like he may have a new way to put those skills to use for the Panthers.
Kuechly announced his retirement in January, and Carolina formally placed him on the NFL's reserved/retired list on Wednesday (allowing them to spread his dead cap hit over two seasons). While doing so, the team announced that their former defensive captain is “considering” a role in the organization's front office as a pro scout.
Recently-hired Panthers head coach Matt Rhule previously said his staff has been watching film with Kuechly over the course of the offseason, and he expressed hope that Kuechly would hop aboard as a coach or scout. As Kuechly told NBC Sports in April,
“I love the game of football, I love everything about it, I love the studying aspect … Hopefully I can find a way to stay involved in football somehow.”
After being taken ninth overall in the 2012 draft out of Boston College, Kuechly immediately emerged as one of the game's best — and most fundamentally sound — players, leading the league in tackles as a rookie.
He made seven Pro Bowls, and was named First-Team All-Pro five times. His 1,092 career tackles is easily the most by any player over that stretch. But, after multiple injuries and concussions, the 28-year old understandably opted to forego the remaining $21 million over the final two years of his deal and prioritize his health. But that apparently might not mean leaving the NFL, or the Panthers, behind entirely.
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