CHARLOTTE (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — Panthers legends Luke Kuechly and Steve Smith Sr. have been announced as semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2025, the NFL announced on Tuesday.
This is Kuechly’s first year eligible for the Hall of Fame, and Smith is now a semifinalist for the fourth year in a row.
The other semifinalists are Eric Allen (CB), Willie Anderson (T), Anquan Boldin (WR), Jahri Evans (G), Antonio Gates (TE), James Harrison (LB), Rodney Harrison (S), Torry Holt (WR), Eli Manning (QB), Robert Mathis (D/LB), Terrell Suggs (LB/DE), Fred Taylor (RB), Earl Thomas (DB), Adam Vinatieri (K), Hines Ward (WR), Ricky Watters (RB), Reggie Wayne (WR), Richmond Webb (T), Vince Wilfork (DT), Steve Wisniewski (G), Darren Woodson (S), and Marshal Yanda (G/T).
Defensive End Jared Allen is a semifinalist, he played with the Panthers for one season in 2015.
Kuechly, who played linebacker in Carolina from 2012-2019, twice led the league in tackles but perhaps his greatest accomplishment was winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award, which occurred the season after winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Agent 89 played in Carolina from 2001 to 2013 before joining the Ravens for three seasons. He is one of the best players to wear black & blue as he leads the franchise in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
The full Hall of Fame selection committee will soon cut down the list of 25 semifinalists to 15 finalists who will be discussed at the annual meeting ahead of Super Bowl LVIX.
That new class can consist of three, four, or five Modern-Era Players under the Hall of Fame’s bylaws.
