The Carolina Panthers may be struggling as a franchise today, but it wasn’t long ago that they were a powerhouse in the NFL. Following the 2015 season, the Panthers boasted a 15-1 record and made it all the way to Super Bowl 50, where they eventually fell to the Denver Broncos. That team was stacked with talent, featuring some of the best players in the league at the time.
Now, three of the key figures from that unforgettable Panthers squad—Luke Kuechly, Jonathan Stewart, and Greg Olsen—are reuniting, not on the NFL field, but on the sidelines of a middle school football team near Charlotte. The trio has joined forces as part of the coaching staff at Charlotte Christian School, creating what is arguably the most star-studded middle school coaching team in the country.
Luke Kuechly, who retired at the peak of his career due to concerns over concussions at just 28 years old, is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers of the last quarter-century. During his eight-year NFL career, Kuechly was named an All-Pro seven times and was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in his debut season. Despite the brevity of his career, Kuechly’s impact was profound, and many believe his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is only a matter of time.
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Greg Olsen, now a highly respected NFL analyst for Fox Sports, also left a significant mark on the league during his playing days. While he’s currently making headlines for his broadcast work—though he’s set to be bumped from the top team by Tom Brady—Olsen was an elite tight end during his time with the Panthers. He earned All-Pro honors in both 2015 and 2016 and was one of the most reliable and skilled players at his position during his era.
Jonathan Stewart, known for sharing backfield duties with DeAngelo Williams for much of his Panthers career, took the lead role during the 2015 season, earning a Pro Bowl nod. The former Oregon standout finished his NFL career with 7,335 rushing yards and 69 touchdowns, cementing his legacy as a powerful and dependable running back.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Greg Olsen has taken on the role of head coach for Charlotte Christian School’s middle school football team, with Kuechly and Stewart serving as his assistants. The three NFL veterans are also known to make appearances at varsity practices, where they offer hands-on instruction and share their wealth of knowledge and experience.
While Olsen and Stewart have long since left their playing days behind, there’s a sense that if Luke Kuechly ever decided to return to the NFL at age 33, teams would be lining up to sign him. In the meantime, the middle school players at Charlotte Christian School are benefiting from one of the most unique and experienced coaching staffs in youth football.
With legends like Kuechly, Olsen, and Stewart guiding them, these young athletes are sure to gain invaluable insights and skills that will serve them well on and off the field.
