Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly carted off field on TNF

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly was carted off the field on Thursday Night Football against the Saints with an injury…

With the result of the game seeming trivial at this point, the NFL world watched as Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly suffered a scary looking injury against the Saints on Thursday Night Football.

Kuechly, one of the best players in the NFL and certainly the top non-rushing linebacker in the league, was seen weeping after the play.

This reaction is both horrifying and admirable to me.

Kuechly is human. He’s a hard worker. He is an elite athlete. He’s a great competitor.

He loves the game of football, and he’s in utter shock at what has just happened to his body. You hate to see a guy like Kuechly, one of the best on and off the field, in this state, but it also makes you want to really root for the guy. This is real emotion, and I can’t imagine what Kuechly was feeling in the moment.

UPDATE

After initially appearing as though Kuechly was being carted off with a knee injury, the team has reported that he’s being looked at for a concussion. He missed three games last season after suffering a concussion.

This is scary stuff, folks.

We wish all the best for Kuechly, who was visibly shaken up by the ordeal. Concussions have taken more than just the game away from many players, and you just hope Kuechly’s not part of that group. Obviously, he has to do what’s best for his health long-term, but you’d hate to see such a phenomenal player have his career cut short.

Get well soon, Luke.