Luke Kuechly, the Carolina Panthers star announces his retirement

American football linebacker, Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from pro football in a video statement Tuesday.

Luke Kuechly, one of the finest linebackers of his generation, has announced his retirement at the age of 28.

The Carolina Panthers star made the announcement in a video posted to the team’s Twitter account.

“It makes me sad because I love playing this game. I’ve been playing it since I was a little kid and it’s my favorite thing in the world to do”, said Luke Kuechly.

“The memories I have from this place and this organization and playing on the field with these guys will never go away.”

“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/mSDyJ0iEMw

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020

“For me, now is the right opportunity to move in a different direction,” Kuechly said.

“There’s only one way to play this game since I was a little kid is to play fast and to play physical and to play strong, and at this point I don’t know that anymore.”

Fighting back tears, Kuechly said, “And that’s the part that the most difficult is I still want to play, but I don’t think it’s the right decision.”

Luke Kuechly played eight seasons for the Panthers after a collegiate career at Boston College.

In his NFL career, Kuechly was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, the Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

He also won the 2017 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award.

“He’s been in the middle of it all for the last eight years,” the team tweeted. “No one did it better.”

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He’s been in the middle of it all for the last 8 years.

No one did it better. pic.twitter.com/pXxSgHIIoY

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020

Since 2012 no NFL player had more tackles that Kuechly, who had 1,092.

Several of his current and former teammates paid tribute to Kuechly.

Thank you for some of the best memories both on and off the field. 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. Will always love you bro! To retirement🍻🎣@LukeKuechly

— Christian McCaffrey (@CMC_22) January 15, 2020

Words can’t describe who Luke Kuechly is as a person, friend, and teammate. We have shared countless memories together both on the field and away from it. I feel honored to be his friend and I’ll always appreciate the impact he has had on my life. Love you buddy pic.twitter.com/0DHYkOwDp1

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— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) January 15, 2020