These Carolina Panthers past and present may play their way into the NFL Hall of Fame…
Only three individuals with ties to the Carolina Panthers franchise are currently enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame. Defensive stars Kevin Greene, Reggie White and former general manager Bill Polian but even though their impact was made with the Panthers, a majority of their careers were spent elsewhere.
Greene, who spent time with both the Rams and Steelers before landing in Carolina elected to receive his ring in Pittsburgh. White played with the Eagles and Packers before coming out of retirement for one season with the Panthers and Polian served as the team’s inaugural general manager but really made defining contributions in Indianapolis and Buffalo.
Recently there have been a few individuals retire who will generate talk of joining the NFL Hall of Fame, but their wait continues. Players must be retired for five seasons before becoming eligible and even then, many do not receive an invitation in that first year.
Following are seven individuals, including five current Panthers, who may soon be a part of the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremonies down the road.
Cam Newton, QB
Cam Newton revolutionized the quarterback position. Despite critics arguing about his perceived inability to throw the football consistently and propensity for taking too many unnecessary hits, Newton changed the game. He was a former No. 1 overall draft pick that has lived up to the billing, setting records along the way.
Already a three-time Pro Bowl nominee, first team All-Pro, rookie of the year winner and league MVP, Newton has plenty of time left to bolster his resume. The only thing currently missing is a Super Bowl ring, but the opportunity for bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Charlotte remains.
If he does, consider him a lock for the Hall of Fame when eligible.
Greg Olsen, TE
Tight end Greg Olsen is the only player from his position to record three consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons. A versatile athlete who can block and assist in the passing game, Olsen has seen a rise in his production with Newton at quarterback.
A three time Pro Bowl nominee, Olsen is nearing the end of his career and statistically would need a few more seasons to match the numbers put up by Shannon Sharpe, the most recent tight end inducted.
Olsen trails Sharpe by 2,500 yards and nine touchdowns but a few productive years to finish his career should have him in the mix.
Ryan Kalil, C
Dermontti Dawson finished his playing career in 2000 and other than Bruce Matthews (2001), who played every offensive line position, is the most recent center enshrined in Canton. Ryan Kalil could be the next. Although his most recent years have been riddled with injuries, there is no denying Kalil has been one of the top players from his position across the league.
Already having announced his plans for retirement, Kalil needs a great season with potentially an All-Pro or Pro Bowl nomination to help his case. Having already been nominated for five Pro Bowls, Dawson had seven, one more would boost his chances.
A hard position from which to become enshrined, Kalil should at least be in the conversation five years from now.
Julius Peppers, DE
The North Carolina native, Julius Peppers, is going to Canton. Currently ranking fourth, all-time, in sacks the Panthers defensive end is just five and one-half away from entering the top three. Everyone ahead of him – Bruce Smith, Reggie White and Kevin Greene – has already been recognized.
Peppers recorded 11 sacks last year and although his playing days are limited, expect him to venture into third place at some point this year. A nine-time Pro Bowl nominee with three All-Pro selections, Peppers was a defensive rookie of the year and member of the NFL 2000’s All Decade Team.
His jacket size and bust should be pre-ordered for exactly five years from the date of his announced retirement.
Luke Kuechly, LB
Linebacker Luke Kuechly is currently on pace for the Hall of Fame but injuries have plagued his career. Bothered by multiple concussions in recent years, if the Panthers middle linebacker can stay on the field, he will leave no doubt about his future induction.
Compared to both Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher, who will be enshrined this year, his numbers align on a similar trajectory. For both the future of the Panthers defense and fans everywhere who love to watch a quality, competitive player succeed – Kuechly’s durability will be key.
Jared Allen, DE
Defensive end Jared Allen currently ranks just outside of the top-10 in all-time sacks. However, at the time of his retirement he was No. 9 and all eight players ahead of him have been inducted. Spending just 12 games in a Panthers uniform, arriving via trade, Allen helped propel the Panthers into the playoffs enjoying a magical 15-1 regular season.
An unfortunate foot injury sidelined him during the playoffs but Allen suited up for the Super Bowl recording one tackle. Expected to be part of an impressive Hall of Fame class in 2021, Allen would likely join Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Logan Mankins and Calvin Johnson as inductees.
Nothing is guaranteed but Allen should eventually find his way to Canton.
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.