Football is back, and as always, the preseason kicked off with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.
The annual event also honors the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s newest class, which this year includes quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, kicker Adam Vinatieri, running back Roger Craig, and linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Kuechly’s induction drew a reaction from San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who spent three seasons as his teammate with the Carolina Panthers from 2019 to 2021.
McCaffrey’s Message to Kuechly
McCaffrey shared a heartfelt post on Instagram for the former All-Pro linebacker, who spent all eight of his NFL seasons with the Panthers.
“Congratulations brother. Thank you for all the memories and lessons,” McCaffrey said. “One of the best players and people I’ve ever met. #HallofFame.”
Kuechly’s NFL Career
Kuechly was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he played high school football at St. Xavier before continuing his career at Boston College. The Panthers selected him ninth overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.
From there, Kuechly played just eight NFL seasons and surprised many with his early retirement, but he cemented himself as one of the greatest linebackers in league history.
He earned Pro Bowl honors in seven of his eight seasons, was a five-time first-team All-Pro, won the 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Award, and finished his career with 1,092 tackles, 75 tackles for loss, 31 quarterback hits, 18 interceptions, and 12.5 sacks in 118 games.
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