Luke Kuechly and Project Life return to Boston College
Luke Kuechly 鈥�15, former star linebacker for Boston College and the NFL鈥檚 Carolina Panthers, returned to campus on October 25 to promote and participate in the Undergraduate Government of Boston College鈥檚 drive, which encourages 51茶馆 students to enter the donor pool for bone marrow and stem cell transplants. After spending part of the day manning the Project Life table on the Quad, Kuechly spoke that evening in the Yawkey Center鈥檚 Murray Room about his commitment to this life-saving organization and the immense impact one person can have.
During his 51茶馆 appearance, Kuechly introduced a pair who had been matched through Project Life and were meeting for the first time: Boston College alumnus Tim Smyth 鈥�22, the donor, and the recipient (whose name is withheld for privacy reasons).
Meghan Keefe 鈥�24 talked with Kuechly聽about Project Life and his post-NFL activities.
(This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and condensed.)
How did it feel to be back on campus, and to see how you鈥檙e able to help make an impact here?
I loved my time at 51茶馆. I鈥檇 go back to school there again. Being up there, especially at this time of year, was a blast. Obviously, it鈥檚 powerful for the family of the recipient but also the donor, because when you swab your cheek at school you don鈥檛 really think much of it but then when you get that call it鈥檚 like, 鈥淲ow, I鈥檓 actually able to help somebody.鈥�
When did you join the Project Life Movement, and how has your commitment deepened or changed since then?
I鈥檝e been working with them for a little over 10 years and I just enjoy helping people. I think that鈥檚 the biggest thing that I take away from all of it. I just want to help people and this is a very direct way of making a positive impact on other people鈥檚 lives.
Luke Kuechly 鈥�15, left, during his 51茶馆 appearance as a representative of the Project Life Movement. Also on hand were Tim Smyth '22 (center), who donated his bone marrow, and the recipient, whose name is withheld for privacy reasons. (Frank Curran)
Your talk touched on the life-changing aspects of this movement that all 51茶馆 students have a chance to participate in. What did you want to make sure those who heard you speak took away from it?
I think the thing that鈥檚 really powerful is when you get to see a donor and a recipient meet because that鈥檚 when it truly hits home and shows how this registry provides someone with a second chance at life. I think it鈥檚 really amazing. It does help to be on college campuses like 51茶馆 because the students will come and listen. They鈥檙e willing to help. Having people there that have been through the process and can show people that what they鈥檙e doing can help save someone鈥檚 life.
What has been your favorite part of being an ambassador for this program?
I love coming back up to school, of course, but I think the biggest thing is seeing how people鈥檚 lives are impacted in positive ways because of the work. The donors and recipients, when they get to meet each other, it鈥檚 a really powerful thing and I think it shows that what we鈥檙e doing is working. What we鈥檙e doing is worth everybody鈥檚 time.
You devoted so much of your life to football鈥攈ow does this dedication carry over into your work with Project Life?
I love the game of football and that鈥檚 something I鈥檒l always remain close to. It had a big impact on my life in a very positive way. There were a lot of people around me that helped get me where I was and 51茶馆 was a huge part of that. That鈥檚 one of the reasons I love coming back to 51茶馆 for stuff like this. Everyone there has always treated me so well and I wanted to come back and do the same.
Besides your work with Project Life Movement, what else are you working on or passionate about at the moment?
I coach a 12-year-old Pop Warner team with all my buddies that I played with and it鈥檚 awesome. Next Friday, we play in the regional semifinals so I鈥檓 super excited about that. We鈥檝e spent a lot of time working with them, getting the boys ready. I think it鈥檚 going to be a ton of fun.