The Panthers three-time All-Pro middle linebacker said Wednesday he has no plans to retire from playing football after his second concussion in as many years.
Kuechly said that while he appreciates the overwhelming concern friends around the league and family have for him, "I'm holding off that retirement word for probably a little ways down the road. ... Whenever my opportunity comes back, I will be back out there."
Unlike teammate Cam Newton, who expressed some fear earlier this season after his concussion, Kuechly defiantly said he's not concerned about the long-term effects of concussions, which had been linked to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in football players.
What followed in the moments after was a frightening sight in age of increasing concussion awareness as a national television audience saw Kuechly weeping uncontrollably and staring blankly ahead into the distance as he was driven on a cart to the locker room.
Kuechly has four years remaining on a six-year,Jerseys Cheap Wholesale, $62 million contract he signed in 2015.
Kuechly was selected to the Pro Bowl, but hasn't decided if he'll play in the game.
"The great thing that he has done best is he has stayed involved in everything that we do," safety Kurt Coleman said. "He's the ultimate teammate. Whether he's playing or not playing,NFL Jerseys China Online, he's so focused on the details and he's helping everyone around him whether he's on the field or not. He's not letting the situation take away from the team."
Rivera hasn't decided if Kuechly will play against Atlanta on Saturday, or again this season.
The team's first-round pick in 2012, Kuechly was injured on Nov. 17 following a collision with New Orleans Saints running back Tim Hightower.
Kuechly, praised by defensive coordinator Sean McDermott for his high football IQ, has spent the last four games on the Carolina sidelines holding a clipboard and playing the role of assistant coach.
"I'm not worried about (CTE) and I think there is a lot to be learned from it," Kuechly said.
Rivera initially told reporters a couple of weeks ago that he would play Kuechly when he was cleared by independent physicians, but then did an about-face over the weekend by saying Kuechly wouldn't play against the Redskins.
Kuechly would not answer questions about his reaction that night,Authentic NFL Jerseys Cheap.

Part of that might have been the optimistic Rivera first had.
He's been very active on the sideline calling out assignments, teaching younger players and celebrating with teammates after big plays.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Luke Kuechly said he isn't going to let a second concussion end his football career.
Kuechly was cleared by independent physicians to play Monday night against the Washington Redskins, but head coach Ron Rivera erred on the side of caution and held him out for at least another week.
Kuechly said he wants to play as soon as possible, but also realizes that team has input on the decision.
"He wants to play, but I have told him that I have a lot of things to weigh," Rivera said.
The 25-year-old has missed seven games in the past two years with concussions, including the last four this season.
The Panthers (6-8) have a minuscule shot at making the playoffs.
"I know a couple of weeks ago I was talking about if he's ready to go,Cheap Jerseys For Sale, we're going to roll him out there," Rivera said. "But I've got a lot of things to think about. I've got to make the decision that is going to be best for him and this organization going forward. I have to not make just the right decision, but the prudent decision. It's important we make very good decisions."
The linebacker hasn't played since sustaining the concussion, although he continues to practice every day. He had hoped to be back on the field by now.
"They're the boss and I have to listen to what the boss says,Cheap NFL Jerseys," Kuechly said. "Whatever they decide is going to be the plan and we'll see what happens."