A.J. Klein was named a captain for Week 4 against Buccaneers

Oct 6, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker A.J. Klein (56) during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

When you take over for one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL and help lead your team to a 4-0 record, there's a chance you may deserve to get a 'C' on your chest.

According to Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer, that's exactly what happened for A.J. Klein before the Carolina Panthers' Week 4 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Klein, who has been filling in for Kuechly since he suffered a concussion in Week 1 against Jacksonville, has been the man in the middle for Carolina. According to Person, head coach Ron Rivera approached Klein about the move at Friday's practice before the game.

"I definitely take a lot of pride in it. I obviously thanked coach for the opportunity to represent the defense as a captain," Klein told The Charlotte Observer. "I take it very personally. I take a lot of pride in it. Just really thankful for that opportunity and we'll see what happens going forward."

You have to give quite a bit of praise to Klein, who finished up the Week 4 victory with seven tackles. Now, the Panthers get the bye week to attempt to get Kuechly healthy, but you can bet that Klein will still get plenty of work moving forward.

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