North Charlotte Today

A pair of former Carolina Panthers players, Luke Kuechly and Steve Smith Sr., are among the 50 modern-era candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2025. Jared Allen, who played his final season with the Panthers in 2015, is also on the list.

Kuechly is eligible for the first time this year. Smith has been a semifinalist each of the last three years, while Allen was a finalist last year. The original list of 167 candidates was narrowed down to 50 by a special screening committee that includes former Hall of Famers and historians.

The selection process will now proceed with a vote by the full selection committee to reduce the list to 25 candidates, then further to a final 15, which will be discussed before the Super Bowl.

Among those remaining are quarterbacks Eli Manning and Steve McNair; running backs Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Eddie George, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Taylor, and Ricky Watters; wide receivers Anquan Boldin, Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, and Reggie Wayne; tight ends Ben Coates and Antonio Gates; offensive linemen Willie Anderson (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Jahri Evans (G), Olin Kreutz (C), Logan Mankins (G), Jeff Saturday (C), Joe Staley (T), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G) and Marshal Yanda (G); defensive linemen John Abraham (DE also LB), Jared Allen (DE), Robert Mathis (DE), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Neil Smith (DE), Vince Wilfork(DT/NT)and Kevin Williams(DT); linebackers Cornelius Bennett,Luke Kuechly(LB) London Fletcher James Harrison Terrell Suggs defensive backs Eric Allen(CB) Kam Chancellor(S) Rodney Harrison(S) Earl Thomas(S) Troy Vincent(CB) Darren Woodson(S);special teams Gary Anderson(K) Brian Mitchell(KR/PR also RB).

Kuechly is one of eight first-time eligibles to make it into the final 50 alongside Manning Lynch Staley Yanda Suggs Thomas Vinatieri His resume is similar to Hall Famer Patrick Willis inducted this year alongside Julius Peppers Both Kuechly Willis played eight seasons went seven Pro Bowls won defensive rookie named All-Decade team Kuechly seven-time All-Pro five times first team Willis six times five first one second Kuechly however NFL defensive player award from differences resumes minuscule Willis third eligibility

Smith has reached final 25 past three years compelling case leads group receiving yards third receptions behind Boldin Wayne Holt finalists last year cut unlike luxury playing quarterback offensive teammates opposing defenses plans Colts priorities often Peyton Edgerrin Marvin so favorable matchups true Warner Isaac Marshall Holt Wayne Andre Johnson stuck logjam before broke through inducted

Smith one four win Triple Crown leading league receptions yards touchdowns did Jake Delhomme quarterback team ran more threw

Allen had career sacks spent Chiefs Vikings Bears twelfth all-time sack list among ten last voting along Gates Woodson Every player ahead already other than Suggs eligible first

With reduction number Panthers did not initial Kalil eligible along Delhomme Davis Metcalf Muhammad Walls Shockey Gross Armstead Woodall Robinson Tillman DeAngelo Kasay