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Luke Kuechly, Trai Turner named to 2019 Pro Bowl

Turner and Kuechly Pro Bowl poster

CHARLOTTE -- Linebacker Luke Kuechly and guard Trai Turner will represent Carolina at the 2019 Pro Bowl in Orlando, the league announced Tuesday.

Kuechly has been named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth time, the most by any player in a Panthers uniform. He was previously in a six-way tie with current teammates defensive end Julius Peppers and center Ryan Kalil, as well as franchise legends wide receiver Steve Smith, tight end Wesley Walls and returner Michael Bates. Peppers has been to nine Pro Bowls in total (three with the Bears and one with the Packers).

In 2018, Kuechly has posted 124 tackles, two sacks, five passes defensed and one interception. He has recorded a career-best 19 tackles for loss which ties Charles Johnson's franchise record for most tackles for loss in a season. Kuechly ranks third in the NFL in tackles for loss, and has the most by any linebacker since 2014.

Since his rookie year, Kuechly leads the NFL in tackles (929 based on press box stats), interceptions (16) and total takeaways (24) among linebackers. The former first-round pick has essentially become an automatic Pro Bowler at this point, being selected every year except when he was 2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Turner, a third-round pick in the 2014 draft, has earned a reputation as one of the NFL's top guards since joining Carolina. He's a Pro Bowler for the fourth year in a row.

Aside from missing Weeks 2-4 with a concussion, Turner has started in every game this season and has been a key part of an offensive line that has helped running back Christian McCaffrey put together one of the best seasons in franchise history. Turner has helped pave the way for the NFL's third-best rushing offense as Carolina has averaged 134.6 yards on the ground. Turner and Carolina's offensive line have helped establish the league's best rushing average (5.32 yards per carry) and the Panthers are second in rushes over 10 yards (62).

Turner's combination of power and athleticism makes him one of the best at his position. Kalil is the only offensive lineman in Panthers history with more Pro Bowls on his resume.

Players for the game are determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group's vote counts one-third toward determining the 88 All-Star players who will be selected to the Pro Bowl. 

The 2019 Pro Bowl presented by Verizon kicks off at 3:00 PM ET on January 27.

View some of the best images of Carolina's Pro Bowl linebacker and Pro Bowl guard during the 2018 season.

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