Luke Kuechly

Lore & Background

Kuechly was born on April 20, 1991, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Evendale, Ohio. He attended St. Xavier High School, where he played linebacker and safety. As a junior in 2007 he had 147 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and a touchdown as a linebacker. He helped his team go 15–0, winning the Division 1 Ohio state title. As a senior in 2008, he had 130 tackles, a sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. He was a two-time All Greater Catholic League selection. Regarded as a three-star recruit, he committed to Boston College in January 2009.

Reader's Guide

Kuechly attended Boston College from 2009 to 2011. As a true freshman in 2009, he became the starting outside linebacker after Mark Herzlich missed the season due to Ewing's sarcoma. He finished with 158 tackles, leading the team and conference, and was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 2010, he moved to middle linebacker, led the country with 183 tackles, and was a unanimous first-team All-American.

In 2011, he led the nation with 191 tackles, won the Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy, and Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and was a consensus first-team All-American. He set Boston College and ACC career tackle records with 532 tackles. He was selected by the Panthers ninth overall in the 2012 NFL draft. In his rookie season, he led the NFL in tackles and won Defensive Rookie of the Year.

In 2013, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He retired after the 2019 season and spent one season as a pro scout for the Panthers.