Luke Kuechly remembers entering the Panthers' locker room for the first time as a wide-eyed rookie.
"When you first come in, you don't know what to expect. You're like, 'What's the NFL going to be?'" Kuechly said. "A lot of guys tell you what it's going to be like, but you don't get to experience it for yourself until you get there."
Fortunately, Kuechly didn't have to go at it alone during his first NFL season in 2012. He quickly discovered that he had plenty of help around him.
"I think what was very fortunate for me coming in was that I had (Jon Beason) here and Thomas (Davis), and Jordan Senn was in the locker right next to me," Kuechly said. "So I had a lot of older, veteran guys around me who were very beneficial to me developing. If I didn't have those guys early on, I don't think I would have been able to progress as fast as I did."
And, boy, did Kuechly progress quickly.
After starting the first four games of the year at weakside linebacker, Kuechly started the last 12 at middle linebacker following a season-ending injury to Beason. To say Kuechly flourished, especially after being moved to the middle, would be an understatement.
Kuechly produced 10 or more tackles in 12 games, including nine in a row and 11-of-12 after moving to the middle linebacker. He ended the season with a team-record 205 tackles and became the first rookie to lead the NFL in tackles since Patrick Willis of San Francisco in 2007. And that wasn't all. Kuechly finished first on the Panthers with three fumble recoveries and tied for first with two interceptions to go along with one sack and five passes defensed.
As a result of his efforts, he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. But to this day, Kuechly humbly credits just about everyone else but himself for earning the award.
"I think, obviously, it's a very cool award and it shows you what can happen when you work hard," Kuechly said. "But especially in football, a lot of these individual awards are the result of your team. I think it goes back to what I said about all the guys who helped me along. I won that award because later in the season all that coaching and all the help the veteran players gave me really started to pay off."
Kuechly has long admitted that he is most comfortable at middle linebacker - his position at Boston College before the Panthers selected him in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft with the ninth overall choice. And it showed right away when he moved to that position for the Panthers. But Kuechly still heaps praise on Beason for helping him with the subtleties of playing the position in the NFL.
"I played in Beason's spot when he got hurt, and there was no resentment at all," he said. "Right away he was like, 'All right, what can I do to help Luke?' And he sat next to me in the meetings every day and walked me through things and showed me how to do stuff and watched film with me. Then Thomas was my guy on the field.
"So all those guys were great, and a lot of my success that year had to do with them. The coaches all made sure I was prepared, too. When I was messing up my first few games, they all stuck with me, and I was able to kind of get my feet under me and go."
He really got going in a home game versus Atlanta on December 9. No matter where a play needed to be made, Kuechly seemed to be the one making it as he racked up a season-high 19 tackles, 16 of them solo., to earn NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
"We just had a lot of energy that game. It was a big game, a division game that meant a lot to the guys, and we played well," Kuechly said. "The coaches put a good game plan together, and I just remember that we were playing fast. If you can play fast on defense and keep it simple, that's a key. It makes it fun, and that's when things click."
Nonetheless, Kuechly downplayed his impressive tackle total against the Falcons. He frequently insists that the number of tackles a player piles up during a game can often be misleading, citing his personal preference for quality over quantity.
"You look at a stat sheet and you've got to know what to look at," Kuechly said. "For me, it's pass deflections, forced fumbles, sacks, TFLs (tackles for losses) - because those are impact plays. If you stuff a guy behind the line of scrimmage, that's a negative play (for the opposing offense). A pass deflection negates a pass, and all the other stuff speaks for itself. So tackles are great and all, but it's where you make the tackle that's most important."
Kuechly makes so many of them that New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan has called him "a tackling machine" and added "if he's not the best middle linebacker in the league, then I'm not sure who is."
Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said it was evident, even early on in Kuechly's rookie season, that No. 59 was a rare talent with a high-revving motor and keen mind for the game.
"His preparation, his instincts, his willingness to do whatever it takes to get to the football are all things that set him apart," McDermott said. "He plays with such determination and hunger."
Kuechly said playing within the team concept and playing at a high rate of speed also help.
"That's what we try to do every time we play," Kuechly said. "If you're playing fast on defense and having fun, that means you're being successful and helping the team win games. That's when football is fun, and it's a game that's supposed to be fun."
View photos from Carolina's 7-9 campaign in 2012.
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a first down against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) huddles with his teammates during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 16, 2012. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 31-7. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Carolina Panthers tackle Jordan Gross (69) blocks Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry (75) during the NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday, November 26th 2012 in Philadelphia. The Panthers won 30-22. (AP Photo/Brian Garfinkel)
Carolina Panthers running back Mike Tolbert (35) takes the ball into the end zone during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints September 16, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown during an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints September 16, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) dives into the end zone for a touchdown as Atlanta Falcons' Chris Owens (21) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) warms up prior to an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Panthers Sunday, October 21, 2012 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, September 30, 2012, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 30-28. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is stopped short of the goal line by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) and safety Earl Thomas (29) during an NFL football game, Sunday, October 7, 2012. The Seahawks won 16-12. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) reacts after running for a first down against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell (11) carries the ball after making a reception during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, September 16, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers won 35-27. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
The Carolina Panthers offense discusses the play in a huddle during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field on Sunday October 28, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Josh Thomas (22) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Doug Martin (22) during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on September 9, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers safety Charles Godfrey (30) celebrates his interception return for a touchdown with linebacker Jon Beason (52) and linebacker James Anderson (50) during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, September 16, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Panthers won 35-27. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Atlanta Falcons' Jacquizz Rodgers (32) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) carries the ball after making a reception during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, September 30, 2012, in Atlanta. The Falcons won 30-28. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis (58) in action against the Washington Redskins November 4, 2012 at FedEX field in Landover, Maryland Carolina defeated Washington 21-13. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 9, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) celebrates his interception of an Atlanta Falcons pass with teammates Andre Neblett (68) and Charles Johnson (95) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) in an NFL game Sunday, October 7, 2012, in Charlotte, NC. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) is tackled by Carolina Panthers defensive end Antwan Applewhite (93) and linebacker James Anderson (50) during an NFL football game, Sunday, October 7, 2012. The Seahawks won 16-12. (AP Photo/Paul Abell)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) plays in an NFL game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Charlotte,North Carolina.Denver won 36-14. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera acknowledges fans as he walks off the field after the Panthers defeated the Oakland Raiders 17-6 in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Oakland Raiders' Darren McFadden (20) runs as Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) and Greg Hardy (76) pursue during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers Charles Johnson (95) plays in an NFL game against the Denver Broncos at Bank of America Stadium on November 11, 2012 in Charlotte,North Carolina.Denver won 36-14. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
San Diego Chargers linebackers Jarret Johnson (96) and Larry English (52) wrap up Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) during an NFL game on December 16, 2012. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 31-7. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Carolina Panthers left tackle Jordan Gross (69) blocks during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday October 28, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago won 23-22. (AP Photo/Aaron M. Sprecher)
Washington Redskins kick returner Brandon Banks (16) in action against the Carolina Panthers Josh Norman (24) November 4, 2012 at FedEX field in Landover, Maryland Carolina defeated Washington 21-13. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) rushes upfield against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) runs upfield on a 45-yard scoring reception during an NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 16, 2012. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 31-7. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) about to be sacked the Carolina Panthers Charles Johnson (95) November 4, 2012 at FedEX field in Landover, Maryland Carolina defeated Washington 21-13. (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (52) looks to make a tackle during a week 3 Thursday night football game against the New York Giants on September 20, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
In this photo taken Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the second half of an NFL football game in Atlanta. The Panthers may still be stinging from Sunday's heartbreaking loss to Atlanta, but there are still plenty of positives to come out of that game including the steady emergence of a pass rush. The Panthers tied a franchise record with seven sacks 3.5 by Charles Johnson something they hope to continue this Sunday at home against Seattle. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown with teammate Derek Anderson (3) against the Washington Redskins November 4, 2012 at FedEX field in Landover, Maryland (AP Photo/Damian Strohmeyer)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) runs for a 72-yard touchdown as Atlanta Falcons' Thomas DeCoud (28) pursues during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs after a catch as Atlanta Falcons' Thomas DeCoud (28) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 9, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Tom DiPace)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) and defensive end Frank Alexander (90) celebrate as they run off the field after an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. The Panthers won 30-20. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt)
