Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is retiring from the NFL after eight seasons. The 28-year-old Kuechly made the surprising announcement on the team’s website.
Cam Newton left in the first quarter with a foot injury that left him grimacing and Tom Brady went 8-for-12 for 75 yards, for a 10-3 win in his first exhibition game.
The Panthers defense held the Saints to just a field goal in the first half, and Carolina held on to beat New Orleans, 23-20, in Charlotte on Thursday night.
Roberto Aguayo kicked a 38-yard field goal as time expired, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged the Carolina Panthers, 17-14, in Charlotte on Monday night.