There are now six former Panthers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Two Carolina Panthers legends continue waiting for a bust in Canton.
Linebacker Luke Kuechly and wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. were not chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The announcement was made on Thursday at the NFL Honors ceremony.
The duo was among 15 finalists for the honor. Defensive end Jared Allen, cornerback Eric Allen, tight end Antonio Gates, and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe were the four players inducted.
Jared Allen, mostly known for his dominant days with the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs, played one season with the Panthers in 2015. Carolina traded for Allen from the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2015 trade deadline. Allen helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl that season and retired in the offseason.
Kuechly was in his first year of eligibility. From the first time he stepped on the field as a rookie until his retirement in 2017, Kuechly left no doubt that he was among the very best in the NFL. Kuechly was a five-time All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler, was the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, and was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team.Β
Smith, the most prolific receiver in Panthers history, was a dominant force in the passing game and remembered for his colorful personality on the field. He caught over 1000 passes for over 14,000 receiving yards in his illustrious career. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and helped the Panthers reach the Super Bowl in the 2003 season.
Allen is the sixth former Panther to make it to the hall of fame. Kevin Greene, Sam Mills, Reggie White, Julius Peppers, and Bill Polian were the first five.
This article will be updated.
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