Hall-of-Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly has drawn widespread praise from NFL fans for his performance as an analyst on Netflix's recent livestream broadcast of the Rams-49ers game from Melbourne, Australia. Viewers on social media platform X lauded Kuechly's "natural" broadcasting talent, with many expressing surprise that it took this long for him to enter the booth.
One fan wrote, "Luke Kuechly is a natural," while another questioned, "How has no one put Luke Kuechly into a broadcast booth until now." A third commenter declared, "Luke Kuechly is absolutely crushing it in the booth. So damn good!"
Kuechly, 35, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last month. He previously retired from the NFL at age 28 following a series of concussions, including one sustained during the 2020 season that led him to be carted off the field. Despite the injuries, Kuechly earned two more Pro Bowl selections in his final three seasons.
The streaming giant's initial forays into live sports broadcasting had faced criticism, some of which was directed at on-air talent. However, Kuechly, described as an "affable Cincinnati native who now coaches middle school football in Charlotte," appears to have resonated well with the audience.
Sports and business influencer Joe Pompliano highlighted Kuechly's presence, calling "the best part of this game" the opportunity to "hear Luke Kuechly on a primetime broadcast." Pompliano also noted that Kuechly, who is 6-foot-3, "still looks like he could suit up for a team tomorrow."
Commenters also noted the strong on-air chemistry between Kuechly and Noah Eagle, son of longtime announcer Ian Eagle. "Noah Eagle & Luke Kuechly are killing it on this broadcast," one fan posted. "Chemistry, insight, humor, it's all there. They sound like they've been doing games together for years."
Fans will have another opportunity to see Kuechly and Eagle on Netflix for a Thanksgiving eve matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams on November 25. Netflix is also scheduled to broadcast two Christmas Day games and another game in Week 18. In addition to his Netflix work, Kuechly is set to announce a dozen games for the Panthers Radio Network this season.