... players now enter the NFL with the knowledge that the game is a business first… His 164 tackles in 2012 were more than Urlacher ever achieved in a single season in his career, and a number Lewis surpassed in just two of his 17 years in the league. Not having a relatively “short” career won’t be a negative for others.So when it comes to the Hall of Fame, Johnson is an easy yes vote for me. The stats back up this sentiment. Ray Lewis played 17 season and Brian Urlacher played 13 and they're the standard-setters at the position. For any football lover, Kuechly was a joy to watch, one of the best inside linebackers to ever do it. During that time, the former first-round pick had more tackles than anyone in the league, and has more interceptions than any other linebacker. Because we ain’t lasting that long. 59 was a whirling dervish, a Tasmanian devil who lived in opponent’s backfields, and routinely sniffed out plays with his killer instincts. Now the question: Is Luke Kuechly a Hall of Famer? Right after the Carolina Panthers stirred up some excitement with the hiring of offensive coordinator Joe Brady, the mood was brought down as one of the modern greats called it a career. Sayers was also voted into the Hall of Fame at age 33 and was enshrined at age 34.Whether Kuechly is a first ballot Hall of Famer remains to be seen. Even though he played just eight years, his time in the league ranks among the most dominant of any defensive player ever.Perhaps a more appropriate and even more recent comparison is former 49ers linebacker Soon after the Panthers posted Kuechly’s video announcement, long-time Carolina head coach Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on All North Carolina Sports and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more.Your privacy is safe with us.

Defensive Player of the Year (2013). The stats back up this sentiment. In a case like, say, Frank Gore, longevity will be used as a plus. https://sports.yahoo.com/luke-kuechly-join-gale-sayers-113206584.html Luke Kuechly is a sure fire first ballot hall of gamer.
These days, players now enter the NFL with the knowledge that the game is a So now, more and more, they’re playing their asses off on their rookie deals, securing the biggest second contract they can, then retiring in their late 20s, when they can preserve enough of their minds and bodies to enjoy in retirement the millions they’ve earned, and the peace that should come with having generational wealth before 35.While I am only one Hall of Fame voter, just one member of the 48-person selection committee that meets before every Super Bowl to immortalize the next group of football legends, I won’t be holding early retirements against these great players, provided more continue to do it. Two-time second-team All-Pro. Undoubtedly, Antonio Gates will make it in on the first-ballot.

Rob Gronkowski retired last offseason after nine seasons at 29.

Jan 15, 2020. Luke Kuechly's Hall of Fame worthy career is another example of players redefining how much is enough. The eye test matters. Luke Kuechly will get in but only playing 8 years will cause him to wait a bit. Dude has 16 career INTs. Its impact will last the rest of his life. (Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)Make better choices.

Patrick Willis retired in 2015 after eight seasons at 29. There should be no doubt in anyone’s mind. That was on display quite a bit when the played the Patriots in 2017. Todd McShay of ESPN thinks so.Taking a look at what kind of season Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson could have in 2020Carolina Panthers defensive end Stephen Weatherly talked about his new opportunity that awaits him in Charlotte

That’s what “It’s a vulnerable time for a lot of these young dudes — they need to be taking care of their chicken right, you feel me?” Lynch began.

Get all the sports news you need, direct to your inbox.Every Sunday, No. Get your Fantasy Football league up and running today!Panthers rookie calls Christian McCaffrey ‘unreal in person’Bills’ Matt Milano forecasted as early top-25 2021 free agentGolfer eliminated from U.S. Luke Kuechly’s retirement announcement lasted 215 seconds. Here's one historian's take.

As a Hall of Fame voter, he absolutely passed the “you just know it when you see it” test and his vast accomplishments back it up.Five-time first-team All-Pro. Calvin Johnson retired in 2016 after nine seasons at age 30. Amateur after caddie makes unbelievable error on 18th holeTakeaways From Seeing Notre Dame Linebacker Commit Prince Kollie LiveCornerback sneak? For some, first-ballot votes are reserved for the truly special players, a sign of respect.

He should be a first ballot HOFer when the time comes. Ray Lewis played 17 season and Brian Urlacher played 13 and they're the standard-setters at the position. In Week 16 of the 2013 campaign, he tied the NFL record for the most tackles in a single game with 24. There wasn't another linebacker in the NFL during Kuechly's time that possessed his combination of football IQ, toughness, range, and ability to predict a play before the ball was even snapped. And while the money, prestige and everything that comes with being a bonafide football So if you’re wondering why players seem to be holding out more than ever before, if you’re wondering why players are trying to negotiate their own deals and cut agents out of the process so they can save on fees, if you’re wondering why players are retiring so quickly … well, that’s why. The same thing can be said about Johnson once he becomes eligible in 2021.