Carolina Panthers Legend Luke Kuechly Finally Makes Hall of Fame

Luke Kuechly is now the sixth Carolina Panthers Hall of Famer, and the first since Julius Peppers two years ago. The Panthers are a young franchise, but they've now managed to compile six Hall of Famers in just over 30 years of existence.

Kuechly was up for the honor last year, but he fell short in his first appearance on the ballot. Kuechly had a short career, but he was as good as any linebacker in NFL history during his time. Whether it was the lack of longevity or just that so few members can make it in each year, Kuechly was snubbed.

That snub has been rectified, though. Kuechly made the Hall of Fame in just his second year, so while he's not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, he is still a definitive legend of the sport and now has his place in Canton.

He is the second-youngest Hall of Famer at just 35 years old at the enshrinement date. Had it not been for concussions, he might still be playing today, and he'd almost certainly, based on his broadcasting work, still be excellent at diagnosing plays.

Kuechly played just seven seasons, and he made a Pro Bowl in every single one of them. He was a first-team All-Pro in five of his seven seasons. Those other two? He was a second-team All-Pro. He never missed an All-Pro team or a Pro Bowl.

He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, and he followed that up by being the Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He finished third for DPOY again in 2015.

Who could join Luke Kuechly?

Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) and quarterback Cam Newton | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Luke Kuechly is the latest Carolina Panthers Hall of Famer. He is not likely to be the last, although it is impossible to predict when a team's next Hall of Fame talent will come around.

Steve Smith continues to languish on the ballot without making the final 15 every year, which is highly unfortunate. He is absolutely, unequivocally a Hall of Famer. He is eighth all-time in receiving yards and one of just 17 Triple Crown winners, and he did it within an offense that ran more than threw.

Cam Newton is eligible next year, and he should absolutely make the Hall of Fame. It's hard to predict whether he will or won't because he was a divisive player, but his resume and records should speak for themselves.

Those are the immediate candidates that come to mind. Ron Rivera is unlikely, though being a two-time Coach of the Year might help his case. Among current players, none jump out as even slightly likely, but Derrick Brown would be the safest bet among the group.

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