Rewritten: Mark Bergin, a senior producer at WRAL, who works across multiple platforms.

Charlotte, N.C.

Julius Peppers, Steve Smith Sr., and numerous other ex-players of the Carolina Panthers have been named as part of the 173 modern-era nominees for the 2024 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

On Tuesday, the Hall of Fame released its roster of potential candidates.

Peppers is currently eligible for his first year of playing. He holds the fourth highest number of sacks in the league at 159.5, ranks second for forced fumbles, and was chosen twice for the All-Decade team in both the 2000s and 2010s.

On October 29th, during the Panthers’ home game against the Houston Texans, Peppers and wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad will be honored and inducted into the Panthers Hall of Honor.

Smith has been a finalist for the Hall of Fame in the past two years.

Smith ranks eighth in career receiving yards and 11th in receptions. However, his chances for being inducted into the Hall of Fame have been hindered due to three other receivers, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, and Torry Holt, also vying for a spot and causing a deadlock among voters.

Please select the link to view the entire roster of 173 nominees for the 2024 graduating class.

In November, the group will be narrowed down to 25 semifinalists, followed by a further reduction to 15 finalists in December.

Previous members of the Panthers included in list of Hall of Fame nominees.

• QB Jake Delhomme
• RB/ST Michael Bates
• RB Stephen Davis
• WR/ST Eric Metcalf
• WR Muhsin Muhammad

• The wide receiver known as Steve Smith Sr.

• TE Wesley Walls
• OG Nate Newton
• DE Jared Allen
• DE Julius Peppers
• LB Jessie Armstead
• LB Lee Woodall
• S Eugene Robinson
• CB Charles Tillman
• K John Kasay

Source: wralsportsfan.com