Tag: Luke Kuechly

2 more Panthers greats will be eligible for Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026

Two more Panthers greats will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame starting next season.

There’s going to be quite a few Carolina Panthers legends on next season’s Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot.

With the 2025 class officially announced on Thursday night, we can now look forward to 2026—where a pair of old friends will get their initial crack at taking up residence in Canton, Ohio. Among the notable players with first-year eligibility are tight end Greg Olsen and linebacker Thomas Davis.

Olsen, who was traded to the Panthers in 2011 for a third-round pick, played nine of his 14 NFL seasons in Carolina. Up through the 2019 campaign, he reeled in 524 receptions for 6,463 yards and 39 touchdowns.

When adding in his four years in Chicago and his one in Seattle, Olsen finished with 8,683 receiving yards—the seventh-most all-time by a tight end. The two-time second-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler was also the first tight end in league history to record three straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards.

Davis was selected by the Panthers with the 14th overall pick of the 2005 NFL draft. He’d become the first player to ever successfully return from three ACL tears, all of which occurred to the same knee.

The setbacks didn’t spell the end for Davis, who played his best ball after the injuries. Davis went on to earn three Pro Bowl nods and a first-team All-Pro selection, beginning in his age 32 season.

Both Olsen and Davis were key presences for Carolina’s three straight NFC South titles from 2013 and 2015, a journey that ended with the franchise’s second-ever Super Bowl appearance.

They will be under consideration alongside former teammates Luke Kuechly and Steve Smith Sr., both of whom fell short as finalists for the 2025 class.

[lawrence-related id=699435,650973,677319]

Here’s the good news about Luke Kuechly’s Hall of Fame chances . . .

Panthers legend Luke Kuechly may have missed out on the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, but there’s a silver lining.

Well, Carolina Panthers great Luke Kuechly won’t be a first-ballot Hall of Famer here in 2025. But on the bright side, he does have a head-start for 2026.

The former linebacker was not named one of the four members for Canton’s upcoming class—a group that includes cornerback Eric Allen, wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, tight end Antonio Gates and former Panthers defensive end Jared Allen. Kuechly did, however, finish in the top seven of the voting amongst this year’s finalists—which, by a new rule, automatically makes him a finalist for next year.

Kuechly will move right into that stage alongside wide receiver Torry Holt, offensive tackle Willie Anderson and kicker Adam Vinatieri. That means there will be 11 spots available for 2026’s final round of deliberation.

Had he been officially sent to the Hall of Fame on Thursday night, Kuechly would have been just the 11th linebacker to make it in his first year of eligibility. Chuck Bednarik (1967), Ray Nitschke (1978), Dick Butkus (1979), Jack Ham (1988), Jack Lambert (1990), Mike Singletary (1998), Taylor (1999), Junior Seau (2015), Brian Urlacher (2018) and Ray Lewis (2018) remain the only 10.

[lawrence-related id=705179,693521,711109]

Panthers legend Luke Kuechly not named to Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 class

Former Panthers LB Luke Kuechly will not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Carolina Panthers great Luke Kuechly will not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

The former linebacker was not voted as one of the four inductees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. Kuechly was in his first year of eligibility for the honor.

Carolina selected Kuechly with the ninth overall pick of the 2012 NFL draft. The decorated Boston College standout made his presence in the pros known immediately, as he captured the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

In 2013, Kuechly would be named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. He became just the second player ever, with ex-New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor being the first, to win both awards in their first two seasons.

Despite a shortened career due to concussions, Kuechly made the most out of his eight NFL seasons—as he also earned five first-team All-Pro selections, two second-team All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl nods.

[lawrence-related id=710361,705179,693521]

Luke Kuechly on Panthers after 2024 season: ‘Vibes are high’

Franchise great (and maybe soon-to-be Hall of Famer) Luke Kuechly is feeling pretty good about the current state of the Panthers.

Luke Kuechly seems to be vibing with the current state of the Carolina Panthers.

The franchise great hopped on Thursday’s edition of Up & Adams and discussed the direction of his old team. Kuechly told host Kay Adams that there’s plenty for the organization to be hopeful for as we head out of the 2024 season . . .

Kuechly’s biggest takeaway, of course, is the emergence of second-year quarterback Bryce Young.

After a disappointing rookie campaign and a disastrous two-game start to this one, the former No. 1 overall pick was benched for veteran Andy Dalton at the beginning of Week 3. He’d return to the starting lineup in Week 8 and proceeded to play like the University of Alabama star the Panthers drafted in 2023—finishing out the season completing 197 of his 319 passing attempts (61.8 percent) for 2,104 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions while leading the Panthers to a respectable 4-6 record.

The cherry on top for Young was his history-making performance in the victorious regular-season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Young, in the 44-38 win, became the first Panthers quarterback to ever record three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in a game.

Hopefully for Young and the Panthers, Kuechly will have some more history to talk about in 2025.

[lawrence-related id=709362,710071,709983]

Former Chiefs players named finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Former Kansas City #Chiefs players named finalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 | @EdEastonJr

The latest finalists to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will include two former Kansas City Chiefs defensive standouts. Jared Allen and Terrell Suggs are among the 15 finalists announced for next year’s class on Saturday.

Allen was drafted in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft and spent the first four years of his career in Kansas City. In his final year with the Chiefs, he made the Pro Bowl and became a first-team All-Pro with 15.5 sacks. He would later succeed with the Minnesota Vikings, becoming a three-time first-team All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowler over the next five seasons.

Suggs was acquired by the Chiefs toward the end of the 2019 season, serving as an additional piece on the journey to Super Bowl LIV. The 37-year-old played a significant role in the postseason, playing in most of the snaps and winning his second title after successful All-Pro seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEIFtUUsYlx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The other finalists were Eli Manning, Luke Kuechly, Marshal Yanda, Steve Smith, Eric Allen, Antonio Gates, Jahri Evans, Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt, Willie Anderson, Adam Vinatieri, Darren Woodson, and Fred Taylor.

Panthers greats Steve Smith Sr., Luke Kuechly named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists

Panthers legends Steve Smith Sr. and Luke Kuechly have been named finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 class.

Two Carolina Panthers legends are amongst the 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

As announced on Saturday morning, former wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. and former linebacker Luke Kuechly have made it through into the last round of consideration for this year’s class. This is Smith’s fourth year of eligibility and Kuechly’s first.

Smith has now achieved the finalist status for the first time over those four years. Each of his previous three cracks at football immortalization ended in semifinalist stage.

He still stands as the Panthers’ all-time leading receiver (12,197 yards) and the NFL’s eighth all-time leading receiver (14,731). Smith, over his 16-year career, racked up two First-team All-Pro nods, five Pro Bowl selections and a Comeback Player of the Year award.

Kuechly, who has a real chance to be voted into Canton as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, accumulated 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 in his eight pro campaigns.

[lawrence-related id=692017,691273,709168]

Panthers great Luke Kuechly gives his thoughts on Bryce Young’s sparkling Week 16 performance

Panthers great Luke Kuechly: Bryce Young “kinda showed a little bit of everything” in Week 16 win over Cardinals.

Carolina Panthers legend Luke Kuechly would probably tell you that he had the pleasure of watching quarterback Bryce Young from inside of Bank of America Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Well, never mind “would,” because he kinda sorta did say as much on Monday’s episode of Up & Adams.

Kuechly, who was on the radio call for yesterday’s 36-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, talked about Young’s impressive day with host Kay Adams:

Lil’ Bryce—sarcastically, of course—connected on 17 of his 26 throws for 158 yards and two touchdowns in the overtime win. He also rushed for a career-high 68 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Since his return to the starting lineup in Week 8, Young has completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 1,650 yards (206.6 yards per game), 10 touchdowns and six interceptions while also recording three rushing scores.

[lawrence-related id=709140,709143,709055]

Panthers great Luke Kuechly gives his thoughts on Bryce Young’s performance vs. Chiefs

Panthers great Luke Kuechly believes Bryce Young’s outing against the Chiefs in Week 12 was one of his best as a pro.

Carolina Panthers great Luke Kuechly had a pretty good seat for what may have been the best game of Bryce Young’s NFL career.

Kuechly, fresh off yesterday’s shift in the radio broadcast booth at Bank of America Stadium, made his weekly appearance on Monday’s episode of Up & Adams. He and host Kay Adams chatted about Carolina’s valiant effort from their 30-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, where Young absolutely shined.

Young completed 21 of his 35 passing attempts for a season-high 263 yards and a touchdown. In his four games since returning to the starting lineup, he’s connected on 61.0 percent of his throws for 784 yards, five scores and three interceptions while leading the Panthers to a pair of wins.

[lawrence-related id=707441,707389,707373]

2 Panthers legends named semifinalists for Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 class

Panthers greats Steve Smith Sr. and Luke Kuechly are amongst the 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 class.

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.

[lawrence-related id=705179,701700,700343]

Saints Super Bowl champ named Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist yet again

Jahri Evans made the cut as a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame again this year. Is the third time the charm for the Super Bowl 44 champ?

They say third time is the charm. That’s the hope for New Orleans Saints legendary offensive lineman Jahri Evans. The Pro Football Hall of Fame released their annual list of semifinalists, and Evans was one of the 25 players who made the cut.

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for him. Evans has been a part of the semifinalists for each of the last three years, but hasn’t made the final cut. He has gotten closer on each attempt.

If the trend continues, this is the year Evans will be immortalized in Canton, Ohio. Evans was a semifinalist on his first attempt. Last year, he made his way into the group of finalists. Maybe adding the Saints Ring of Honor to his resume can swing things in his favor.

Three years feels like a long time until you look at the length of time other semifinalists have waited. Torry Holt is on his 11th attempt to go from semifinalist to enshrined in Canton.

Some of the first-time semifinalists who will make it tougher on Evans are Luke Kuechly, Eli Manning and Adam Vinatieri.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]