You may know Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu as “No. 49,” “Luvuuuuuuuu,” or that missile from the middle of the defense that always seems to make plays. But to his teammates, he’s simply “Uce.”
A Samoan term of endearment, “Uce” is used to address a person one regards as a brother—from its original form, “uso.” And it’s clear, from over the past 11 months, that Luvu has more than earned that distinction—not only as a man amongst men, but as a player working towards the common goal.
On Thursday, the Panthers announced a two-year extension for the Tafuna native. Luvu returned for a deal worth $9 million—a pact that will pay out $5 million in 2022 along with a $3 million signing bonus.
