Kuechly wasn't sure how to handle the 40-pound bronze bust, because why would a person know how to do that? But with Saturday's final official duty, the Panthers legend is finally inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Panthers linebacker thanked teammates, coaches, workers, friends, and most importantly his family during his speech Saturday afternoon at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Panthers linebacker had a few traits as a child that translated directly into his on-field success. And as he enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, those around him saw the evidence of those early habits every day.

The two Panthers legends shared the stage Friday night at the Gold Jacket Dinner, with Peppers joining the linebacker's family yet again to honor one of the greatest linebackers of all time.

The Panthers linebacker isn't viewed as a rookie as he takes his first steps into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The respect he gets from his peers indicates clearly why he belongs here in Canton.

With a pair of Hall of Famers, and great players between them, the Panthers have become identified by the position in a way few other franchises can. And the only team with more HOFers had a 75-year head start.

Sam Mills III and Marcus Mills will be on hand to see the next link in the Panthers ' linebacker lineage go into the Hall of Fame, and join their father. And they're proud that Kuechly represents so many of the same qualities of Sam Mills.

The rookie quarterback ran for the game-winning score, leading the Panthers to a 33-30 win over the Cardinals, and showing his knack for making plays in dramatic moments.

Rookie quarterback Haynes King helped the offense come alive in his debut, as the Panthers took to the field for the first time this preseason, beating the Cardinals 33-30 in the Hall of Fame Game.

A receiver was waived and an offensive lineman was released on Thursday with injury settlements.

The Panthers linebacker and Saints quarterback were paired wonders, the best at what they did on opposite sides of the ball. But it was because of all the things they shared that they pushed each other to this height.