Carolina Panthers great Steve Smith Sr. will have to continue his pursuit of Canton, Ohio.
The former wide receiver was not voted as one of the four inductees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. Smith Sr., a first-time finalist for football’s greatest honor, was on his fourth year of eligibility.
A third-round pick in the 2001 NFL draft, Smith Sr. played 13 of his 16 professional seasons in Carolina. He still stands as the organization’s all-time leading receiver, as he amassed 12,197 yards and 67 touchdowns on 836 receptions for the Panthers.
After parting ways with the team following the 2013 campaign, Smith Sr. finished out the final three years of his pro career with the Baltimore Ravens—adding 2,534 more yards, 14 more scores and 195 more catches. He is currently the eighth leading receiver (14,731 yards) in league history.
Smith Sr. reeled in numerous honors over his time—including two first-team All-Pro selections, a second-team All-Pro selection and five Pro Bowl nods. He was also named the 2005 AP Comeback Player of the Year—a season in which he led the entire NFL in receptions (103), receiving yards (1,563) and receiving touchdowns (12).
