Fans, fellow NFL players, express shock and support for Luke Kuechly retirement
Fans of Carolina Panthers player Luke Kuechly took to social media late Tuesday to express surprise, support and even understanding after the NFL star revealed he is retiring from the NFL.
Kuechly shared the news in a video posted to the Panthers’ Twitter feed. He didn’t give a specific reason, but held back tears as he admitted not being able to play the game at the level he wanted to.
Among those expressing support for Kuechly’s reluctant decision to leave the league were fellow players Greg Olsen, Christian McCaffrey, Eric Reid and former Panthers Coach Ron Rivera.
“Thank you for some of the best memories both on and off the field,” tweeted McCaffrey. “I’m so honored to have shared the field with not just the best player I’ve ever seen, but the best person I’ve ever met.”
Some fans admitted the announcement caught them off guard, but none criticized what might seem like a hasty decision for an athlete in his prime.
“It’s hurts, deep, but Luke Kuechly did the right thing,” tweeted one fan. “He’s walking away healthy and able to make the decision. We will miss the hell out of him in Carolina and there won’t ever be another 59. I just hope to see you on the sidelines, somewhere, for us.”
Here are other reactions from fans, fellow players and coaches on social media.
This story was originally published January 15, 2020 at 5:33 AM with the headline "Fans, fellow NFL players, express shock and support for Luke Kuechly retirement."