Even a gritty linebacker like Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly thinks about the risks of playing in the NFL.

On Friday morning, Kuechly spoke with ESPN's 730 The Game about findings of the Boston University and VA Boston Healthcare System CTE study released on Tuesday.

The study found CTE in 110 of 111 brains belonging to former NFL players— 13 of which belonged to former NFL linebackers.

"You hear about it, you know about it and it's in your head that this stuff is a possibility, but I think when you play a contact sport there's always inherent risk and inherent risk to injury,” Kuechly said. “At what point to tolerate it and what point is it enough?”

The former first round Draft pick out of Boston College recorded 71 tackles, two sacks and one interception last season with the Panthers.

Kuechly’s full response can be watched below.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Malachi Washington, who participated in Saturday’s High School Home Run Derby at Truist Park, jumped at the opportunity to participate in the event after receiving an email from MLB. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC