By: Anna Chuang

In 2020, Luke Kuechly retired from the N.F.L as a linebacker for the Carolina Panthers when he was 28. Now, he works as a football coach for 12-year-olds and is helping to raise awareness about the injuries that can come with playing this sport. He frequently speaks about what everyone can do to limit injuries when playing football.

Kuechly retired due to having suffered three concussions and having a severe toe injury. After he ended his career, he wanted to still be involved with the sport and thought that everyone should be aware about the dangers of tackle football. Last month, he visited Congress to speak out about traumatic brain injuries and their effects. Kuechly has also been interviewed about what he tells the parents of the young aspiring athletes that he coaches. According to The New York Times, when asked if he cringed a little after Tua Tagovailoa got slammed to the ground and got a severe head injury, Kuechly said, “No. The biggest thing for me is I just want guys to be safe…But I think everybody in the N.F.L. understands that it’s a violent game. It’s physical, it’s tough. There’s big strong guys running around, and getting hurt is kind of inevitable. I want Tua to play as long as Tua wants to, and I want him to play as safe as he can.”

Kuechly is aware about the multiple concussions he accumulated over the course of his career, and does certain things that will benefit his cognitive health. As stated in The New York Times, he says, “I think the biggest thing for me is healthy lifestyle. Eat well, sleep well, exercise, be outside, have good relationships with people. Keep your mind active.”

Kuechly doesn’t talk too much about all the negative impacts tackle football can have on its players. Instead, he focuses on talking about the positives, things you should be aware of and do to benefit you, and how to be a tough yet good player who has strong relationships with others.