CHARLOTTE — Two certified Panthers legends, and a third player with ties here were among the 15 players announced as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on Saturday morning.
Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. made it to the final 15 after three years stuck as one of the 25 semifinalists, and Luke Kuechly made it in his first year of eligibility.
They're joined by defensive end Jared Allen, who played the final season of his 12 seasons here in 2015.
For Smith, getting to the finalist round is a breakthrough, as there was a logjam at his position in recent years, with Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, and Reggie Wayne competing against each other each of the last three years.
Johnson was inducted last summer alongside Panthers legend Julius Peppers, clearing a spot in the final 15 for Smith. Holt and Wayne are finalists for the sixth time each.
And while both Holt and Wayne have deserving cases, Smith put up equivalent or better numbers with significantly less help on offense throughout his career.
Smith finished his career with 1,031 catches for 14,731 yards and 81 touchdowns. Wayne had 1,070 catches for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns. Holt had 920 catches for 13,382 yards and 74 touchdowns.
Smith is eighth all-time in receiving yards, and 12th all-time in receptions. Wayne is 10th all-time in both yards and receptions, while Holt is 17th in yards and 26th in receptions.
The difference between the three could be viewed as a function of their supporting casts and the attention that allowed opposing defenses to pay to them.
Holt was surrounded by Hall of Famers in St. Louis, from coach Dick Vermeil to quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, and wide receiver Isaac Bruce, along with left tackle Orlando Pace. Likewise with Wayne in Indianapolis, since he had a Hall of Fame coach and general manager (Tony Dungy and Bill Polian), along with quarterback Peyton Manning, running back Edgerrin James, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison.
Meanwhile, the year Smith won the Triple Crown in 2005 by leading the league in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, he did it for a John Fox-coached team that ran more times than it threw while playing alongside quarterback Jake Delhomme, running backs DeShaun Foster and Stephen Davis, receivers Ricky Proehl in his 37-year-old season and Keary Colbert, and Kris Mangum and Michael Gaines at tight end.
Respectfully, that's different.
Plus, he did it all at 5-foot-9 3/4.
The case for Kuechly doesn't demand too many justifications since his individual brilliance was only cut short by injuries.
In his eight seasons, Kuechly was named to the All-Pro team seven times (five times first team, two times second team) and went to seven Pro Bowls.
He was also named to the All-Decade team for the 2010s and earned defensive rookie of the year honors in 2012, along with defensive player of the year in 2013.
It's a nearly identical resume to that of former San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis, who was inducted last year in his third year of eligibility.
Willis also played eight seasons, went to seven Pro Bowls, and was named to the All-Decade team. He was a six-time All-Pro (five times first team, once second team). And like Kuechly, his career was cut short by injury. The only real difference between them was the lack of a defensive player of the year award for the former 49ers star.
Allen's a finalist for the fifth straight year.
He's 12th on the NFL's all-time sack list with 136.0, and of the 11 men ahead of him on the list, 10 are already in the Hall of Fame (first-year eligible Terrell Suggs, who also made the final 15, has 139.0).
Former Panthers occupy three of the top four spots on the sack list, as No. 2 Reggie White played his final season here, and he's followed on the list by Kevin Greene (160.0) and Peppers (159.5).
The full list of this year's 15 finalists includes the five players who finished in spots 6-10 in last year's voting (Jared Allen, Willie Anderson, Antonio Gates, Holt, and Darren Woodson) and four of the players who were in the 11-15 (Jahri Evans, Eric Allen, Fred Taylor, and Wayne). Former Chargers and Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, a finalist last year, did not make it this year.
Along with Smith, five candidates made the cut in their first year of eligibility — Kuechly, Eli Manning, Suggs, Adam Vinatieri, and Marshal Yanda.
The slate of candidates in the modern-era player category will be considered when the Hall of Fame's selection committee meets prior to Super Bowl LIX.
The selection committee may elect up to five modern-era players for the Class of 2025; each must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent for election. Five others — seniors category finalists Maxie Baughan, Sterling Sharpe, and Jim Tyrer; along with coach finalist Mike Holmgren and contributor finalist Ralph Hay — also are candidates for the Class of 2025. Voting on these five is done separately as its own group distinct from the modern-era players; a minimum of one person and a maximum of three from these combined categories may be elected under the Hall's bylaws.
While there is no set number for any class of enshrinees, the Hall of Fame's current selection process bylaws stipulate that between four and eight new members will be selected.
The Class of 2025 will be unveiled publicly on Feb. 6 during the "NFL Honors presented by Invisalign" broadcast from Saenger Theatre in New Orleans, La., on FOX and NFL Network and streamed on NFL+. The show airs at 9 p.m. ET.
Finalists, Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025
| Pos, Player | Teams | Years as finalist |
|---|---|---|
| WR STEVE SMITH SR. | CAR, Bal | 1 |
| LB LUKE KUECHLY | CAR | 1 |
| DE JARED ALLEN | KC, Min, Chi, CAR | 5 |
| CB Eric Allen | Phi, NO, Oak | 2 |
| OT Willie Anderson | Cin, Bal | 4 |
| OG Jahri Evans | NO, GB | 2 |
| TE Antonio Gates | SD, LAC | 2 |
| WR Torry Holt | StL, Jax | 6 |
| QB Eli Manning | NYG | 1 |
| OLB Terrell Suggs | Bal, Arz, KC | 1 |
| RB Fred Taylor | Jax, NE | 2 |
| K Adam Vinatieri | NE, Ind | 1 |
| WR Reggie Wayne | Ind | 6 |
| S Darren Woodson | Dal | 3 |
| OG Marshal Yanda | Bal | 1 |
A look at some of the best pictures of Steve Smith Sr. during his career with the Panthers
Smith spins the ball after picking up a first down against the Oakland Raiders.
Smith sprints past Saints defenders in the home opener.
Smith leaps over a defender for a touchdown grab against the Washington Redskins.
Smith gets fired up after a first-down catch against Tampa Bay.
Smith exits the tunnel prior to kickoff against the Denver Broncos.
FILE In this Dec. 2, 2007 file photo, Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a catch during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in NFL football game action in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers' star receiver praised the free-agent signing of Muhsin Muhammad on Monday April 21, 2008, then delivered harsh words for teammate Dwayne Jarrett whose disappointing rookie season was followed by an offseason charge of driving while impaired. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) and Muhsin Muhammad (87) walk off the field after their 33-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL divisional playoff football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) heads for the end zone leaving Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) in his wake in the second quarter during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. The touchdown was reversed on a challenge by the Giants. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith runs the ball during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is shown prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Charlotte, NC, Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2013, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs after a catch against New York Giants' Prince Amukamara (20) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Smith, a free agent, signed a three-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, March 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2013 file photo, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith crosses his arms after a touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis. The agent for Smith says the five-time Pro Bowl selection has played his final snap for the Panthers. Smith's longtime representative Derrick Fox told The Associated Press on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, that Smith "is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that. I just don't know when that transaction is going to take place." (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt, File)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) makes a touchdown reception against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown (25)during the first half of a divisional playoff NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass against Seattle Seahawks' K.J. Wright (50) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) smiles after making a catch in front of San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner (31) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, left, runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Gerald McCoy (93) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) is knocked out of bounds by New England Patriots' Aqib Talib (31) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs past St. Louis Rams' Janoris Jenkins (21) for a touchdown after a catch in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reaches in vain for a catch as Oakland Raiders' Michael Huff (24) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts during player introductions before the start of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec.1, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass against Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Wilson (26) during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs after a catch as Atlanta Falcons' Thomas DeCoud (28) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Smith has reached the ranks of the elite receivers ever to play the game. But does the 33-year-old Smith stand a chance at becoming the first Carolina Panther to enter the Hall of Fame when he retires or does he need to continue to add numbers? (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith cuts behind a block after catching a ,pass against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) on the sidelines against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. The Panthers won 48-16. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) stiff-arms New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass while covered by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Neiko Thorpe (38) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts after his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Sunday , Nov. 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts to a completed pass during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs for a first down during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) autographs a football for a young fan prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov.13, 2011. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs after a catch against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith takes the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass during an NFL football game Green Bay Packers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) it tackled by Detroit Lions corner back Eric Wright, right, and cornerback Chris Houston, left, an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday , Nov. 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) and Steve Smith (89) shown before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) celebrates after his touchdown catch from quarterback Cam Newton against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. It was Newton's first career touchdown pass. Cardinals' Adrian Wilson (24) looks on. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) hauls in a pass as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Kerry Rhodes defends during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 28-21. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith displays his gloves prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. Sunday was the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) is shown before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith give a fan a football and his gloves prior to an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) hangs on to the ball for a touchdown as he is brought down by New England Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs (29) during their NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme, left, and Steve Smith walk together after a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008 in Charlotte, N.C. Carolina defeated Washington 47-3. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith celebrates a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
A look at Luke Kuechly's career with the Carolina Panthers in photos
