Sam Mills is officially enshrined into Canton. Mills makes it the third Carolina Panther player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The first two being defensive end Reggie White and linebacker Kevin Greene.
Mills was inducted by his wife Melanie Mills and former coach Jim Mora. It was an emotional induction, as Mills pass back in 2005 due to a battle with intestinal cancer.
Sam Mills: Forever in Canton 🙌@Panthers | @Saints
📺: #PFHOF22 Enshrinement on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/b2lcCqJwpk
— NFL (@NFL) August 6, 2022
In addition, Mills is the definition of the Carolina Panthers mantra “KeepPounding”, as he is the one who coined the phrase. Till this day, he still inspires many across the the NFL and is looked at as a beacon of hope.
More Panthers to Canton?
The Carolina Panthers has been home to some electrifying players over the years. In the franchises short 27 year history there have been iconic moments as well as players to put on the blue and white. Here are the next set of Panthers who could see their face in Canton.
Julius Peppers, Hall of Fame Eligibility 2024
Carolina took Peppers with the second pick in 2022. Peppers is a nine time pro bowler and is a part of two all-decade teams(2000s,2010s). Peppers is ranked fourth all-time in sacks with 159.5. There is no doubt that Peppers will have a bust in Canton, as he is one of the best players to ever play in the NFL.
Steve Smith Sr., Hall of Fame Eligibility 2022(Semifinalist)
At one point of time, Smith Sr. was one of the many reasons Panther fans tuned in on Sundays. One of the best trash talkers in league history, and was one of the few who could back it up with his play on the field. In 219 career games Smith Sr. got to eighth all-time in receiving yards(14,731). Even though Smith Sr. wasn’t a finalist this year, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him get the call for next years list.
Luke Kuechly, Hall of Fame Eligibility 2025
Following a multitude of concussions, Kuechly called it a career after eight seasons. In those eight seasons, Kuechly made it to seven Pro Bowls, a five time All-Pro and was Defensive Player of the Year back in 2013. Without a doubt Kuechly will have a bust in Canton, but will he make first ballot is the bigger question.
Thomas Davis, Hall of Fame Eligibility 2026
A safety turned linebacker, Davis became one of the best outside linebackers in the league. Him and Luke Kuechly formed one of the best linebacker duos during their years together. Davis is a three time pro-bowler and made the All-Pro team in 2015.
Cam Newton, Still Active
When you mention the Carolina Panthers, the first name that comes to mind is Cam Newton. On most Sundays he was the most electrifying player on the field. Newton is a three time Pro Bowler and put together one of the best MVP seasons ever in 2015. Once he retires from the NFL it will be interesting to see how the committee decides on his hall of fame status.
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