Panthers potential future Hall of Fame inductees

Steve Smith, WR

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For the best wide receiver in Panthers history, Steve Smith getting into the Hall of Fame is not a given. While his tenacious play and impact on the game are undeniable, there is no magical number receivers must reach in terms of yardage or touchdowns to become enshrined.

Smith enjoyed a 16-year career with both Carolina and Baltimore but was only a first team All-Pro selection twice. One nomination came following his rookie season and Smith was picked as a kick returner, not wide receiver.

While there is no doubt Smith deserves some type of recognition around Bank of America Stadium, his impact on the game overall throughout his career, may fall short of Hall of Fame status.

Familiar with the underdog role, Smith has excelled. At 5-foot-9 and a third-round draft pick from Utah, his career exceeded initial expectations. If anyone, fans and critics alike, learned anything from seeing him perform in the NFL, it was to never count Smith out.

Hall of Fame selection committee, consider yourselves warned and for everyone else, don’t be surprised when Smith pops up in Canton sometime in the future.