NFL fans can't believe Luke Kuechly wasn't a first-ballot Hall of Famer

The Carolina Panthers legend is one of the worst HOF snubs in recent memory.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 29: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half during their game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. / (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

The 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class is on their way to Canton, where they will forever be a part of the game's rich history. Only four players made the cut this year: Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates and Shannon Sharpe. More notable is the group of people who were excluded from this year's class, including Super Bowl winning head coach Mike Holmgren, legendary wide receiver Torry Holt and a couple of Carolina Panthers greats in Steve Smith and Luke Kuechly.

While Holt, Holmgren and 89 all have strong cases to make the Hall of Fame some day, Kuechly not getting in on the first ballot is an all-time snub. After the news was announced a lot of fans took to Twitter to complain - and not just Carolina homers. Here's what they're saying about Kuechly's snub.

NFL fans on Luke Kuechly HOF snub

Luke Kuechly deserved to be a first ballot Hall of Famer.

Where Kuechly ranked among all LBs during his time in the league ⤵️

- Tackles: 1st (among all defenders regardless of position)
- INTs: 1st
- Fumble Recoveries: T-1st
- TFLs: 2nd
- Havoc Plays: 2nd
- Snaps Played: 5th pic.twitter.com/9AWWaLCvQf

— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) February 7, 2025

Luke Kuechly not a first ballot Hall Of Famer is a disgrace to football. pic.twitter.com/OCSvFr4ION

— Zirksee🍽️ (@Zirksee) February 7, 2025

Wait LUKE KUECHLY somehow didn’t make the Hall of Fame.

Luke Kuechly.

Are you serious.

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) February 7, 2025

Luke Kuechly not first ballot is gonna piss me off all night

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) February 7, 2025

Brian Urlacher was a Pro Football Hall of Fame first ballot selection, and you're telling me Luke Kuechly wasn't? Voters, what are we doing here? This new voting system is horrendous. #PFHOF #LukeKuechly pic.twitter.com/MLqavlAq3U

— Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) February 7, 2025

Luke kuechly not being a 1st ballot hall of famer is criminal

— Erik Terrell (@ET_PhoneHome30) February 8, 2025

On what planet is Luke Kuechly not first ballot

— Primetime Carolina (@primetimecar) February 7, 2025

Luke Kuechly did not make the Hall of Fame on his first try.

Wow. All-time snub imo.

— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) February 7, 2025

Several #NFL GM's weighed in and said if #Panthers Luke Kuechly doesn't make the Hall of Fame at LB, I don't know who does. #KeepPounding

Kuechly didn't have cable TV his first few years in the league instead watched GAME FILM. pic.twitter.com/8ca2Z03wtR

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) February 7, 2025

Luke Kuechly not being a first ballot hall of famer is a decision for sure.

— Eric Ray (@EricRayweather) February 7, 2025

Luke Kuechly not being a first ballot hofer hurts #NFL #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/N3mVzmaUd6

— Blake Steak 🥩 (@BIGBLAKE_) February 7, 2025

There aren’t enough people talking about Luke Kuechly not being selected for the Hall of Fame. One of the greatest linebackers of all time. At least once a week an opposing player said he was the smartest guy on the field. Nobody could read an offense better than him.

— Abby Halpin (@abbymhalpin) February 7, 2025

Luke Kuechly got robbed. He was 1st ballot worthy IMO. His film is teaching tape for all linebackers present day. One of the best I’ve ever seen play the position.

— Fanatic Perspective (@Fan_Prspective) February 7, 2025

Luke Kuechly might be the most talented linebacker ever. Insane he didn’t make 1st ballot, shortish career or not. https://t.co/bKMd8rJ8nI

— C4 (@PAPAxC4) February 7, 2025

Luke Kuechly should be in the Hall of Fame. Short career, sure. The guy was elite every single year. May be the best at his position in his generation.

— Donny Football (@DonChed54) February 7, 2025

Bro I watched Luke Kuechly with my own eyeballs every Sunday and saw what other players said it was like playing against him. That man played mental chess on the field and then turned into the nastiest player I’ve ever seen. Disgusting.

— K. (@katieweavil) February 7, 2025

As egregious as it is, fans need only be patient. Kuechly will 100% make the Hall of Fame some day, it may just take a few years for voters to come to their senses. The best example that's closest to Kuechly's case is that of former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick WIllis, whose career numbers and accomplishments are eerily similar to Kuechly's. It took Willis five years to get the call, but it was always going to happen and the same rule applies to Kuechly.

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