CHARLOTTE – Linebacker Luke Kuechly has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording two interceptions and his first career touchdown in the 33-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.
Kuechly picked off quarterback Tony Romo on back-to-back plays in the second quarter, becoming the first player to do that since 1997. He returned the first interception 32 yards for a touchdown and returned the second one 17 yards to set up a field goal before halftime.
"It's a cool deal, but really it's a reflection of how our defense played," Kuechly said. "It's one of those things where you look at it and ask, 'Why did it happen?' We had a great game plan and great coaches that put us in position to be successful."
Kuechly is the third Panthers defender to claim the weekly honor this season, joining cornerback Josh Norman (Week 4) and defensive tackle Kawann Short (Week 6).
This is the fourth time Kuechly has claimed the award in his career, giving him the most Defensive Player of the Week awards in team history.
A look at Luke Kuechly's career with the Carolina Panthers in photos.
