The Carolina Panthers lost two of the best players in their franchise history this week, as defensive end Julius Peppers and linebacker Thomas Davis both announced their retirement.

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly was honored to play with both guys, but he is saddened that they will both be gone.

“I’ve played with guys that are potential (Hall of Fame) guys, but Pep is 100 percent a Hall of Famer. He’s larger than life,” Kuechly said, according to Max Henson of the Panthers' official team website. “I grew up watching him. Everybody knows who Pep is. And then to get the chance to play with him and realize what kind of guy he is – just a great player and great person. That’s what everyone has seen. People gravitate towards him. It’s been super cool playing with him these two years, and I’ll miss having him around.”

Because Peppers had two separate stints in Carolina, Kuechly wasn't around him nearly as much as he was around Davis, with whom Kuechly played his entire career. Naturally, Davis' decision in particular hit him hard.

“Playing with Thomas for seven years was special,” Kuechly said. “I’ve been fortunate in my career to be around good people…It’s hard. I’ve been with Thomas since the beginning. And there were times where he missed games but I always knew he was coming back, there was light at the end of the tunnel. Now, it’s just, he’s not going to be there. It’s such a bummer. It makes me sad. But that’s just how the game works.”

Davis spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Panthers.