Kuechly won’t change style after concussion

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has no plans to alter his aggressive style of play following a second concussion last November, one that tugged at the emotions of a national TV audience when he was carted off the field sobbing uncontrollably.

The 2014 NFL Defensive Player of the Year still doesn’t like talking about that Thursday night game, and is clearly itching to put concussion talk behind him and prove to doubters he’ll be just fine this coming season. He said it’s time to move on.

“You don’t play the game and think about getting hurt, because that slows you down and increases the likelihood of getting hurt,” Kuechly said Thursday following a morning OTA practice session. “You just go out there and play.”

Kuechly, 26, spent three weeks in the NFL’s concussion protocol last year following a collision with Saints running back Tim Hightower. Hightower’s helmet hit Kuechly’s facemask and chest a split-second before teammate Thomas Davis collided with Kuechly’s head from behind, leaving the three-time All-Pro gasping for breath and the soldout crowd in silence.

After Kuechly was helped on to a cart, almost every player on both sidelines came up to wish him well. Kuechly seemed oblivious to it all, the tears streaming down his cheek as he stared ahead blankly. To those watching on TV, it was a close-up reminder of the violent nature of the sport and the mystery that still surrounds concussions.