Two Carolina Panthers greats are one step closer to immortalizing their legacies.
On Wednesday morning, former wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. and former linebacker Luke Kuechly were named amongst the 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 class. This marks Smith’s fourth year of eligibility for a spot in Canton, Ohio and Kuechly’s first.
Each of Smith’s four years on the ballot have now taken him into semifinalist status. He has yet to advance as a finalist.
Smith spent 13 of his 16 pro campaigns in Carolina—where he accumulated a franchise-leading 12,197 receiving yards, two First-team All-Pro nods, five Pro Bowl selections and a Comeback Player of the Year award. He stands as the NFL’s eighth all-time leading receiver (14,731 yards).
Kuechly’s highly-decorated career could very well turn him into a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The former ninth overall pick—over his eight seasons—captured a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, a Defensive Player of the Year award, five First-team All-Pro spots and seven Pro Bowl spots.
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