South Charlotte Today

In New Orleans, former Carolina Panthers stars Luke Kuechly and Steve Smith Sr. faced disappointment as they were not inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. Despite the setback, their exclusion is not due to playing for a smaller market team or because the inductees are undeserving.

The 2025 Hall of Fame class includes players from diverse teams: a Green Bay Packer, a Philadelphia Eagle, an itinerant player who moved between Kansas City, Minnesota, Chicago, and Charlotte, and a San Diego Charger. Among them is Jared Allen, who ranks 12th on the all-time sack list; Eric Allen with 54 interceptions; Antonio Gates known for transforming the tight end position; and Sterling Sharpe whose career was cut short by injury.

Kuechly and Smith's exclusion is attributed to recent changes in the selection process. The Hall of Fame board made induction more selective by requiring an 80% reduction vote from seven players. This change has been criticized for being unnecessarily restrictive.

Luke Kuechly remains hopeful about future induction opportunities. "I love the game of football," he said. He expressed admiration for this year's inductees while acknowledging his time might come next year alongside Steve Smith.

Despite missing out on immediate induction, Kuechly and Smith have already proven their worthiness through previous nomination rounds that narrowed down from 175 nominees to just five finalists.

Jared Allen offered words of consolation to Kuechly during Thursday night's ceremony. Drawing from his own experience, he shared advice he received from Cris Carter: "The process can be frustrating... but once you're in... you're in."

Allen reassured that Kuechly doesn't need validation from the Hall as he's already earned respect among peers: "He's beyond deserving." Nonetheless, under current rules deserving candidates like Kuechly and Smith must wait patiently for their eventual enshrinement.