586 - Luke Kuechly: The Decision To Walk Away

The Dale Jr. Download

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly to learn about his storied career in the NFL, battles with concussions, and how he turned into of the best defensive players in the league. After showing glimmers of brilliance during his time at St. Xavier High School, Luke selected Boston College thanks to their strong academic program and Jesuit leadership. Due to a number of injuries to other players on the Eagles roster, Luke became a starting linebacker in his freshman year. He would receive the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award before moving to middle linebacker in his sophomore season, a move that Luke credits with opening many doors in the rest of his playing career. Luke and Dale discuss the responsibility the middle linebacker holds on the roster, as he is usually the player with the in-helmet headset relaying the play to the rest of the defensive squad.

Luke also explains his process for preparing for professional games, which includes watching film and trying to absorb the other teams’ signaling system for plays in an effort to get a leg up on defensive strategy. He admits that while he had a promising freshman season in college, it wasn’t until his sophomore year that he thought the NFL would be a possibility for him. The guys chat about what the NFL combine was like for Luke and his experience on draft day when he received a call at his parents’ home to inform him that he was being selected as ninth pick for the Carolina Panthers. They also dive into Luke stepping away from playing professionally at an early age due to the effects of a series of concussions, and what events led to that difficult decision.