Pro Bowl Luke Kuechly shocked the NFL on Tuesday evening when he announced he was retiring from the league at age 28, thanking the Carolina Panthers for the opportunity.
Not long after the news, his former coach weighed in.
Redskins coach Ron Rivera said Kuechly was “one of the best players” he has ever coached.
“I had the great fortune of coaching Luke Kuechly for his entire career,” Rivera said. “He was the ultimate professional and was a big part of what we created in Carolina. Luke was a tremendous leader and one of the best players I’ve ever coached. I wish him all the best in his life after football.”
The two spent eight seasons together. In that span, the former ninth overall pick made the Pro Bowl seven times. Kuechly was named defensive player of the year in 2013.
Rivera also posted about Kuechly on his Twitter account.
I had the privilege of playing next to HOF #MikeSingletary & coaching HOF @BUrlacher54 & @LukeKuechly is worthy of that honor someday. But more important I will remember Luke’s sense of humor, his leadership & 4 being a great teammate. pic.twitter.com/MM96l6vZSS
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) January 15, 2020
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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