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 among the 25 semifinalists for the 2025 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is Smith's fourth year qualifying for a spot in Canton, Ohio, and Kuechly's first.
Smith has now campaigned in each of his four election years . He has not yet progressed as a finalist.
Smith spent 13 of his 16 professional campaigns in Carolina – where he posted 12,197 receiving yards, two first-team All-Pro nominations, five Pro Bowl selections and the Comeback Player of the Year award. He is the NFL's eighth all-time leading receiver (14,731 yards).
Kuechly's decorated career could well make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The former ninth overall pick earned Defensive rookie of the Year honors, Defensive Player of the Year honors, five first-team All-Pro spots and seven Pro Bowl berths in his eight seasons.
