CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – A pair of Carolina Panthers legends were nominated to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time on Wednesday.

The nominations for linebacker Luke Kuechly and center Ryan Kalil come in the first year they are eligible for entry into the Hall of Fame. In order to be eligible, players have to be retired for at least five years. Both retired following the 2019 season.

Known as one of the greatest linebackers ever, Kuechly spent his entire eight-year NFL career with Carolina, racking up more than 1,000 tackles, 18 interceptions and seven forced fumbles. He twice led the league in tackles and was a five-time First Team All-Pro selection. He earned Pro Bowl honors seven times and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

Kalil spent all but his final year as a Panther, playing in 148 games for Carolina across 12 seasons. He initially retired after the 2018 campaign, but returned in 2019 to play seven games for the New York Jets. He was a First Team All-Pro choice twice and went to five Pro Bowls. His brother, Matt, joined the Panthers in 2017. It was the only season they played together.

The pair of former Panthers join 14 other players as first-time nominees. Other notable names include Eli Manning, Marshawn Lynch, Terrell Suggs and Adam Vinatieri.

In total, 167 modern-era players are on the ballot for the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. Kuechly and Kalil join fellow Panthers Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, Muhsin Muhammad, Wesley Walls, Jordan Gross, John Kasay and others.

The full list of nominees can be found here.

The next step in the selection process will see the Screening Committee reduce the list of 167 nominees to 50 players. From there, the list of 50 will be cut down to 25 later this fall. Then, 15 finalists will be chosen before three, four or five players are ultimately chosen for the Class of 2025.

Former Panthers standout Julius Peppers became the first Carolina draft pick to make the Hall of Fame when he entered as part of the 2024 class. Known for his No. 90, he became the 90th first-ballot Hall of Famer. Peppers will receive the Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence at halftime of the Panthers’ game against the Bengals on Sept. 29.

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