How about some good Carolina Panthers news for a change?
The 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 were announced on Tuesday morning. Among the distinguished Modern-Era candidates were two franchise legends—defensive end Julius Peppers and wide receiver Steve Smith Sr.
Peppers is in his first year of eligibility for the Hall of the Fame. The Wilson, N.C. native and University of North Carolina great played 10 of his 17 NFL seasons in Charlotte—where he collected a franchise-record 97.0 sacks, two First-team All-Pro selections, two Second-team All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl nods and the 2002 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Smith Sr., who was eligible starting in 2021, now makes the semifinalist cut for the third straight year. He currently sits as the ninth leading receiver in league history (14,731).
This year’s group of 25 semifinalists will be reduced to 15 finalists before the final voting process for the Class of 2024.
