Last year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame implemented a new set of rules for the voting process, in an effort to “help ensure that membership in the Hall of Fame remains elite.” Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, after being enshrined in 2022, infamously complained that the process allowed too many players who had “three or four good years” to make the Hall. He added that “the Hall of Fame ain’t the Hall of Fame no more.” A fellow Hall of Famer, Bruce Smith, also questioned the process after Tony Boselli was inducted that same year, saying that the rules set “a horrible precedent.”
While Sanders and Smith weren’t entirely wrong, the new rules may have been a serious overcorrection. It’s now much more difficult for anyone to make the Hall, even those considered shoo-ins. In the first year of the new process, only four players were inducted. Jared Allen, Eric Allen, Sterling Sharpe, and Antonio Gates were the only members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2025. It’s a much smaller class compared to previous years. In fact, there were at least seven candidates inducted every year since 2012 (only six candidates were enshrined that year). This is also the smallest class in 20 years. In 2005, only four candidates were enshrined.
Fans and media members alike were disappointed in this year’s class, but there is one snubbed player who stands out. Luke Kuechly, who played linebacker for the Carolina Panthers for eight years, was not named to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Despite a decorated career that includes awards for Defensive Rookie AND Defensive Player of the Year, seven Pro Bowl selections, and seven All-Pro selections (five first-team, two second-team), Kuechly was denied rightful entry to the Hall of Fame.
Any NFL fan who saw even a glimpse of Kuechly during his career will vouch for him. At his height, Kuechly was not only the best linebacker in the NFL, but the best defensive player overall. He’s only the second player in NFL history to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in his first two seasons (Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor did it first). He set multiple Carolina Panthers franchise records, including most tackles in a single game (26) and in a single season (202). His 26 tackles against the New Orleans Saints in 2013 remains a single-game NFL record to this day.
Perhaps the only negative mark on Kuechly’s career was the lack of longevity. His career was unfortunately cut short by multiple concussions. He shocked the NFL world when he announced his retirement following the 2019 season, when he was only 28 years old. Despite this, he still amassed 690 solo career tackles, second in Panthers history only to fellow linebacker Thomas Davis (789 total in 14 seasons). He also ranks third all-time in Panthers history with 18 interceptions, behind cornerbacks Chris Gamble (27) and Eric Davis (25).
Kuechly was a true student of the game. Those who worked with him, whether they were players or coaches, consistently praised Kuechly’s commitment, work ethic, and knowledge. Even in high school, Kuechly would spend hours just studying game film and opponents. Players on opposing teams raved about Kuechly’s ability to diagnose plays before they even began. His hard work paid off, as he was named a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s.
While the new process for Hall of Fame voting may have kept Kuechly out of Canton this year, a wrinkle in the new rules may boost his chances next year. Because Kuechly finished in the top seven of this year’s voting, he is automatically a finalist for next year’s induction. Along with Torry Holt, Willie Anderson, and Adam Vinatieri, Kuechly will bypass the first round of voting for next year’s class, and will be among the 15 finalists for 2026.
Should Kuechly be named to the Hall of Fame, he’ll become only the third player who retired as a Panther to be enshrined in the Hall. Linebacker Sam Mills and defensive end Julius Peppers are currently the only two members of the Hall of Fame that entered as a Panther.
Luke Kuechly is one of the greatest linebackers of all time, and one of the best defensive players in NFL history. Despite a shorter career, Kuechly’s career stats, accolades, and overall performances are Hall of Fame worthy. He will be enshrined in Canton forever, but will have to wait at least one more year.
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