South Charlotte Today

A pair of Carolina Panthers legends have advanced to the final 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Linebacker Luke Kuechly and wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. were announced as part of this select group on Wednesday morning.

Luke Kuechly is among six first-time eligible players to make the cut. Meanwhile, Steve Smith Sr. has reached this stage for the fourth consecutive year. The selection committee will narrow down this list to 15 finalists in December.

Kuechly's career achievements closely resemble those of linebacker Patrick Willis, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year during his third year of eligibility. Both Kuechly and Willis played eight seasons, attended seven Pro Bowls, won defensive rookie of the year awards, and were named to the All-Decade team. However, Kuechly holds an NFL defensive player of the year award from 2013 that Willis does not.

Smith faces competition among five wide receivers in the final 25 but boasts impressive statistics. He leads his peers in receiving yards and ranks third in receptions. Notably, he is one of only four players to achieve a Triple Crown by leading the league in receptions, yards, and receiving touchdowns in 2005.

Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt were finalists last year, with Holt advancing to the top 10. Unlike them, Smith did not play alongside Hall of Fame quarterbacks or offensive teammates during his career.

The composition of this year's semifinalists indicates positive prospects for both Kuechly and Smith. All ten finalists from last year's spots 6-15 have returned this year. Additionally, seven players from last year's spots 16-25 have made it again this time.

Joining them are six first-time eligibles: Kuechly, Eli Manning, Adam Vinatieri, Marshal Yanda, Terrell Suggs, and Earl Thomas.

Receivers have faced challenges progressing through recent years' selections; however, Holt's advancement suggests he may be ahead of Wayne currently.

In recent history, two Panthers players have been inducted into the Hall: Julius Peppers this year and Sam Mills in 2022.