Ron Rivera Brings Luke Kuechly In For Pep Talk With Washington Linebackers

If you’ve got a young group of linebackers in need of a pep talk, Luke Kuechly might be the best person you could get to deliver that speech. Though he retired at the early age of 28, the longtime Carolina Panthers linebacker is considered one of the best in NFL history.

The Boston College product was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He was named to seven Pro Bowls and was also a seven-time All-Pro selection – five on the first team and two on the second team.

His list of college accomplishments is just as long, if not longer.

When you’ve got that sort of resume and talent at your disposal, you utilize it. Considering Ron Rivera was Kuechly’s coach for the entirety of his career with the Panthers, of course Rivera's going to call him to come share his wisdom with others.

According to Nicki Jhabvala with the Washington Post, Rivera brought Kuechly in to talk to his next wave of linebackers over Memorial Day weekend. Considering the team just spent its first-round pick on Kentucky off-ball linebacker Jamin Davis, it makes sense to connect him with Kuechly as soon as possible.

There are a few veterans in the group, including 30-year-old Jon Bostic, Jared Norris (27) and David Mayo (27). But the other main contenders to make the roster are Davis (22), Cole Holcomb (24) and Khaleke Hudson (23).

What better way to get your career off on the right foot than bouncing some things off one of the greats?

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.