Panthers' Devin Lloyd aims to join Luke Kuechly in NFL Hall of Fame
Devin Lloyd, the Carolina Panthers' new linebacker, has a clear goal in mind: to become the franchise's next great linebacker and join the likes of Luke Kuechly in the NFL Hall of Fame.
The 2022 first-round draft pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars is looking to establish a new tradition of dominant linebacker play in Carolina, following in the footsteps of Kuechly, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Lloyd was signed by the Panthers to a three-year, $45 million deal in the free-agency period, potentially ending the team's seven-season search to adequately replace Kuechly. The linebacker has already shown his skills, collecting a career-best 81 combined tackles, seven pass breakups, and five interceptions in 2025.
Lloyd's plan for starting a new linebacking tradition with the Panthers is centered on work ethic, how he treats people, and respecting the game. "You've got to respect the game and people will see that," he said. "And they'll see how you treat people means a lot (and) how you love those around you, it matters."
Lloyd, who was ranked as the NFL's third-best linebacker by Pro Football Focus, is looking to be better and possibly get his own Gold Jacket. He has the resources to achieve this goal, with the support of the Panthers' general manager, Dan Morgan, and other experienced players like Thomas Davis Sr.
Lloyd's first season with the Panthers was marked by a Pro Bowl appearance, and he is eager to build on that success. "It's a challenge that I look forward to," he said. "It's even better having resources like Dan, like Luke, like TD, guys that are around that I can talk to and get their insight on game film or taking care of my body, recovery, all the above, just having those resources there."
The Panthers have a lineage of great linebacker play, dating back to Sam Mills, who played for the team from 1995 to 1998. This tradition continued with Dan Morgan, who played from 2001 to 2007, and was followed by Jon Beason, who played from 2007 to 2013, and overlapped with Kuechly from 2012 to 2019.
Lloyd is aware of the high expectations that come with replacing Kuechly, but he is confident in his abilities. "When the standard's high and the expectation is high, that's typically a good thing," he said.
The Panthers are looking to start the season on a high note, with their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals ending in a thrilling 33-30 victory. Devin Lloyd and the rest of the team will look to build on this momentum as they enter the regular season.
The NFL Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Saturday, with Luke Kuechly among the inductees. Devin Lloyd's goal is to join him in the Hall of Fame one day, and he is taking steps to make that a reality.
Source: Yahoo Sports