Before Luke Kuechly became NFL Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time Pro Bowler — all in just four seasons — he rose to stardom at Boston College.

Now the school where Kuechly earned his business marketing degree last spring is retiring his jersey.

The Carolina Panthers' linebacker will spend this season's bye weekend back in Boston, where the Eagles will retire his No. 40 jersey during their Oct. 22 game against Syracuse.

Despite playing only three seasons, Kuechly set a school record with 532 career tackles. As a junior, he became the most decorated defensive player in BC history winning a handful of trophies including the Dick Butkus Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Bronko Nagurski Award and the Rotary Lombardi Award.

"It's a tremendous honor to have my jersey retired," Kuechly told his former school. "It is very important to me because of the love I have for Boston College and the memories I created not only on the field but throughout all of campus. It's an honor to have my name in Alumni Stadium along with Doug Flutie, Mike Ruth and the other great players who have been recognized."

Four weeks after Kuechly's jersey is retired, BC will hold a similar ceremony for Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan.

"Matt and Luke represent the very best of intercollegiate athletics and personify the Jesuit principle of 'men and women for others,'" Director of Athletics Brad Bates said. "Both enjoyed brilliant collegiate careers and have gone on to enjoy success in the NFL.

"Beyond the gridiron you would be hard-pressed to find two gentlemen who conduct themselves with more integrity, discipline, generosity and kindness. They make all of us very proud."