After eight seasons as one of the best linebackers in football, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement from the game on Tuesday.

At the age of 28, Kuechly’s retirement comes as a bit of a shock. But given the new information the players have about their futures, there is a trend taking place in regards to some early retirements.

Regardless, Colts linebacker Darius Leonard made his thoughts on the matter known when he gave some love to Kuechly on Twitter, thanking him for being a role model for the second-year linebacker.

Leonard has been ascending as one of the league’s top linebacker’s ever since he was drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft. He was a First-Team All-Pro his rookie season while earning a Pro Bowl nod during his second season.

Kuechly has been the epitome of linebacker greatness for the 2010s decade. Even in a short career, it will be one that ends in Canton. Kuechly earned First-Team All-Pro honors five times while being one of the best off-ball linebackers of his generation.