Luke Kuechly’s sudden retirement gives Steelers fans added appreciation for veterans

Luke Kuechley shocked the football nation with his decision to retire. Here’s why Steelers fans should appreciate their veteran players.

Late Tuesday night, NFL fans around the nation were shocked when they heard that one of the league’s best defenders decided to hang up his cleats for good. At the young age of 28, Luke Kueckley joins Andrew Luck and Rob Gronkowski as NFL greats that retired far too early in the past year. Kuechley’s sudden retirement should be a fragile reminder to Steelers fans of just how great our team has had it when it comes to veteran players.

Unlike the Panthers, Colts, or Patriots, Pittsburgh has been fortunate enough to not have to witness one of their all-time greats retire at such a young age. Here’s a little perspective for you:

Ben Roethlisberger age: 37

Andrew Luck age of retirement: 29

We have seen quarterbacks retire far too early. Fortunately, Ben Roethlisberger was not one of them. Ben will turn 38 years old this March. If he finishes the last two years of his current deal, he would have played more than a decade longer in the NFL than Andrew Luck.

Roethlisberger made the Pro Bowl 4 straight years from age 32 to 35. During this time, he posted a record of 40-16. We can all be thankful he decided to stick around so long.

Heath Miller retirement age: 33

Rob Gronkowski retirement age: 29

Age 33 doesn’t seem all that old when you compare it to a player like Jason Witten. However, Rob Gronkowski was arguably the best tight end of all-time and he retired while still in his 20’s. Miller was a 2-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s most well-rounded tight ends for years. While clearly not on the same level as Gronk, Pittsburgh got a few more years out of their long-time starting tight end.

James Harrison retirement age: 39

Luke Kuechly retirement age: 28

While I understand that Kuechley and James Harrison did not play the same position on defense, it’s still incredible to think that Harrison was 11 years older than Kuechly at the time of retirement. The difference in age constitutes more than an entire career for most NFL players.

Harrison may have finished his career with New England, but he played for the Steelers until the ripe, old age of 38. That’s pretty incredible in itself.

The Steelers have truely been fortunate when it comes to their veterans sticking it out until they are well within their 30’s. It would be a very sad day in Pittsburgh if a player like T.J. Watt or Minkah Fitzpatrick decided to call it quits in their prime. Let’s hope we never have to deal with something like that.