Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly
Kuechly with the Carolina Panthers in 2019
No. 59
PositionLinebacker
Personal information
Born (1991-04-20) April 20, 1991
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight238 lb (108 kg)
Career information
High schoolSt. Xavier (Cincinnati)
CollegeBoston College (2009–2011)
NFL draft2012: 1st round, 9th overall pick
Career history
Playing
Operations
  • Carolina Panthers (2020–2021)
    Pro scout
Awards and highlights
  • NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
  • NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2012)
  • 5× First-team All-Pro (2013–2015, 2017, 2018)
  • 2× Second-team All-Pro (2016, 2019)
  • 7× Pro Bowl (2013–2019)
  • 2× NFL combined tackles leader (2012, 2014)
  • NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
  • 3× Butkus Award (pro) (2014, 2015, 2017)
  • PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012)
  • Art Rooney Award (2017)
  • Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2011)
  • Lombardi Award (2011)
  • Lott Trophy (2011)
  • Butkus Award (college) (2011)
  • Jack Lambert Trophy (2011)
  • Unanimous All-American (2010)
  • Consensus All-American (2011)
  • ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2011)
  • ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year (2009)
  • 3× First-team All-ACC (2009–2011)
  • Boston College Eagles Jersey No. 40 retired
NFL record
  • Most combined tackles in a game: 24 (tied)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles1,092
Sacks12.5
Interceptions18
Pass deflections66
Forced fumbles7
Fumble recoveries9
Defensive touchdowns2
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Luke August Kuechly (/ˈkkli/ KEEK-lee;[1] born April 20, 1991) is an American former professional football player who spent his entire eight-year career as a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). Kuechly played college football for the Boston College Eagles, twice earning consensus All-American honors. He was selected by the Panthers ninth overall in the 2012 NFL draft.

Kuechly had an immediate impact during his rookie season, as he led the NFL in tackles and won the Associated Press 2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, becoming the third youngest recipient in its history.[2][3] In 2013, Kuechly became the youngest recipient of the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award in its history.

After retiring following the 2019 season, Kuechly rejoined the Panthers as a pro scout. Kuechly resigned from his position in 2021.

  1. ^ "Luke Kuechly Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  2. ^ Sessler, Marc (February 2, 2013). "Luke Kuechly wins Defensive Rookie of the Year honors". NFL.com. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  3. ^ Stuart, Chase (September 4, 2013). "Emerging From the Shadows". FootballPerspective.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.