Luke Kuechly Makes Case for Former Panthers to Get in Hall of Fame

Saturday was a special day for the Carolina Panthers' franchise. After a long, successful career in the NFL, former linebacker Luke Kuechly achieved football's highest personal honor. 

He was enshrined to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. Kuechly's career wraps up with the achievement, and he was celebrated in front of a large crowd in Canton. With Kuechly being inducted shortly after Julius Peppers, who made it in 2024, one has to wonder who is next for the Panthers.

But Kuechly had some candidates, two players he was teammates with while with the Panthers. 

During a media session, Kuechly mentioned two former teammates he believed deserved to be there. He began with quarterback Cam Newton.  Here is what Kuechly said about Newton via Joe Person of The Athletic:

“The only time he really had his pads on would be during games. He wore these big rib protectors. He had these foam shin guards... He was the biggest person on the field, and then he was dominant. He could run past guys, through guys, around guys, jump over guys. He could throw the ball anywhere on the field. And when he was at his best, he was the best player on the field at all times.”

Kuechly has a point. Newton was always one of the best players on the field when he played and even won an MVP. He has a Hall of Fame case as Kuechly points out.

But he wasn't the only player the legendary linebacker mentioned. He also brought up tight end Greg Olsen:

“If I’m a team and I’m defending the Carolina Panthers, there are two guys that you have to worry about. First of all, it’s Greg Olsen because he can do everything,” Kuechly said. “He can line up in the slot. He can put his hand in the ground. He can block anyone. He can run receiver routes — frontside, backside, in the slot.tNewton is eligible this next year as a first-time candidate. Time will tell if he or Olsen get in but it's good to see their teammate show some support.