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Panthers great Luke Kuechly tells the story of his welcome-to-the-NFL rookie moment

Kuechly says he got blasted by Seahawks fullback Mike Robinson and crumpled to the ground.
Tim Weaver|
Dec 15, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA;Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) against Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Dec 15, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA;Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) against Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

Playing in the NFL can be a humbling experience. Even the most-gifted athletes in the sport who have dominated at every level of the game can get exposed and embarrassed when going up against pros for the first time, even those who never really become household names.

Former Carolina Panthers linebacker and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly has been on both sides of that dynamic. Recently, DK Metcalf shared a story about getting tossed like a doll over a pile by Kuechly during his rookie year against Carolina. As for himself, Kuechly says his own welcome to the NFL, rookie moment came against the Seahawks in 2012.

Kuechly recalls preparing to lay out a scrambling Russell Wilson, only to get folded up by a big clean hit from former Seattle fullback Mike Robinson. Watch.

Kuechly retired after the 2019 season due to concussion concerns and Robinson retired after winning a Super Bowl in 2013. Robinson is now hosting a podcast with Marshawn Lynch and Kuechly is working as an analyst for CBS on college games as well as for the Panthers.

Meanwhile, Russell Wilson is improbaby still playing in the NFL and recently signed with the New York Giants. If they don't draft a quarterback with the third overall pick Wilson will be their starter this year.

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Tim Weaver
TIM WEAVER

Tim Weaver has been writing about the NFL since the 2013 season for multiple teams and outlets, including USA Today and The Sporting News. He currently covers the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers for On SI.