During his three years at Boston College (2009-11), Kuechly was a two-time All-American and won all the major defensive honors in 2011, taking home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Butkus Award, the Rotary Lombardi Award, and the Lott IMPACT Trophy after leading all collegiate football players in tackles (191).

He finished his college career with 532 tackles, which is the second-most in NCAA history.

After being picked ninth overall by the Panthers in 2012, he went on to win defensive rookie of the year and defensive player of the year honors (2013) and was named to seven Pro Bowl teams in eight seasons.