Luke Kuechly is a former professional American football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and quickly became known for his exceptional tackling skills and football intelligence. During his career, Kuechly was selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times and earned the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2013. He retired in 2020 at the age of 28, leaving behind a legacy as one of the best linebackers in NFL history.