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Panthers LB Kuechly: No plans to retire after 2nd concussion

FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, center, cheers on his team in the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Charlotte, N.C. While Kuechly desperately wants to play again this year, Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera is hesitant to risk putting him on the field and having the Pro Bowl linebacker risk another concussion. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File) FILE - In this Dec. 11, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, center, cheers on his team in the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers in Charlotte, N.C. While Kuechly desperately wants to play again this year, Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera is hesitant to risk putting him on the field and having the Pro Bowl linebacker risk another concussion. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)

By Associated Press December 21, 2016 1 min read

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – Panthers three-time All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly says he’s not considering retiring from playing football after his second NFL concussion in as many years.

Kuechly has missed seven games in the past two years because of concussions, including the last four.

Kuechly says that while he appreciates the concern friends around the league and family have for him, he says “I’m holding off that retirement word for probably a little ways down the road. … Whenever my opportunity comes back, I will be back out there.”

Kuechly was cleared by independent physicians to play Monday night against the Washington Redskins, but head coach Ron Rivera erred on the side of caution and held him out for at least another week.

Rivera hasn’t decided if Kuechly will play again this season.

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