Panthers great Luke Kuechly has to figure out ‘what’s next’

Ever since his retirement following the 2019 campaign, Luke Kuechly has (inadvertently) started a waiting game with the Carolina Panthers faithful. And two years later, they’re still waiting—waiting for the franchise great and fan favorite to make his inevitable return as a coach.

The former seven-time Pro Bowler joined this week’s all-star festivities in Las Vegas, Nev. as a Legends Captain for the NFC. During Saturday’s practice, Kuechly caught up with Kayla Burton of the NFL Network and left his possibilities open.

“I miss the game,” Kuechly told Burton. “I worked with the Panthers last year, 2020, in the scouting department. It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot. And, now, there’s a couple of things I’ve always wanted to do trip-wise, so that’s what this fall was about.”

Kuechly stepped down from his role as a pro scout in May of 2021. When addressing his decision, the 30-year-old said he was looking forward to getting out on hunting and fishing trips and spending time with friends and family.

“Now that fall’s over, I gotta put my nose down and figure out what I’ma do next,” he then added.

And whatever “next” means—whether it’s a return to the game in some capacity or a return to the wilderness—there may eventually be a headset waiting for him in Charlotte.