Julius Peppers probably won’t have to wait long for some more Carolina company in Canton.
With tonight’s announcement of the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, we look ahead to next year—where the legacy of another legendary Carolina Panthers defender awaits. Headlining the list of first-time eligibles is Luke Kuechly, who fit just about as much as a linebacker can into an eight-year career.
The ninth overall pick of the 2012 draft hit the scene hard, earning that year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He’d also rack up the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year hardware, five first-team All-Pro nods, two second-team All-Pro nods, seven Pro Bowl selections and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Also entering his first year of eligibility is former center Ryan Kalil, who played 12 of his 13 pro seasons in Charlotte. Kalil, who was a three-time NFC South champion and NFC champion alongside Kuechly, earned a pair of first-team All-Pro distinctions, a second-team All-Pro shout and five Pro Bowl selections of his own.
Here are a few more notable players who will join the ballot as well later this year:
- RB Marshawn Lynch
- QB Eli Manning
- LB Clay Matthews II
- RB Darren Sproles
- OT Joe Staley
- LB Terrell Suggs
- S Earl Thomas
- G Marshal Yanda
- K Adam Vinatieri
