Luke Kuechly Opens Up About Why He Walked Away & His Football Obsession + NFL Votes To Ban Tush Push

Recorded: March 31, 2025

On this episode of Bussin’ With The Boys, Will Compton and Taylor Lewan sit down with Luke Kuechly—NFL legend, Carolina Panthers icon, and one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game. Known for his elite football IQ and instinctual play, Luke opens up about his early retirement from the NFL due to multiple concussions, giving raw and honest insight into the toll the game can take. As well as his time playing with superstars Cam Newton, and Christian McCaffrey.

Before the interview with Luke, Will and Taylor react to the news from the NFL owners meetings that they will vote on a potential ban of the Tush Push, popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles en route to their Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last season.

The conversation starts with Luke’s early love for football and the moment he knew the sport was his calling. He shares why he chose Boston College, what made it feel like the right fit, and what it was like training at IMG Academy alongside top-tier talent leading up to the NFL Draft. Luke gives a behind-the-scenes look at his NFL Combine experience and the emotions surrounding his draft day with the Carolina Panthers.

From rookie-year adjustments and getting "Mossed" by Julio Jones to a hilarious story about not owning a TV, Luke keeps it real with the boys. He reflects on the veteran linebackers who mentored him and how they shaped his mental and physical approach to the game. Luke and Will also break down some of his most iconic plays in the NFL, offering a deep dive into how he could seemingly read quarterbacks' minds and always be one step ahead.

Big hugs and some tiny lil kisses! 

TIMESTAMP CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro
9:09 Yankees Vortex Bats
13:37 March Madness Final Four
25:25 NFL Ban The Tush Push?
32:38 Luke Kuechly Preview
38:06 LUKE KUECHLY INTERVIEW STARTS
39:54 When Did He Want To Play Football?
41:53 Why Boston College? 
47:19 When Was The NFL A Thought?
53:22 LB's He Got Drafted With
56:27 Combine Training At IMG
58:58 Luke's NFL Combine Experience
1:10:50 Rookie Year In Carolina
1:11:47 Getting Mossed By Julio
1:17:56 Was It True He Didn't Have A TV?
1:20:13 The Linebackers He Played With Rookie
1:24:52 The Origin Of Calling Out Plays
1:29:30 His Weekly Film Routine
1:43:20 Losing Super Bowl 50
1:44:01 Will’s Favorite Game Of Luke’s
1:50:40 Guys He Played With In Carolina
2:01:03 Learning How To Play After Head Injuries 
2:09:50 The Thought Of Retirement 
2:16:36 Scouting For The Panthers
2:20:25 What Was Next After Football? 
2:28:08 His Other Hobbies Outside Of Football
2:30:13 Bud Light: What Would You Do Anything For?
2:31:33 Paul Swann Is On The Bus
2:32:09 Speaking To Vanderbilt 
2:33:17 Playing With Christian McCaffrey 
2:37:48 Best LB's In The League
2:38:55 If Not Boston College, Where Else?

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