Former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly was honored during the 2026 NFL preseason Hall of Fame Game buildup.
Kuechly was part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. His former team, Carolina, played Arizona in the Hall of Fame Game on August 6, creating a direct connection between the preseason opener and the enshrinement celebrations.
Kuechly played his entire NFL career with the Panthers after Carolina selected him ninth overall in the 2012 NFL draft. He became known for elite tackling, coverage ability and preparation, and he won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and Defensive Player of the Year award during his career.
The other principal honoree linked to the game was Larry Fitzgerald, the former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver. Kuechly is the Carolina-associated Hall of Fame honoree, while Fitzgerald represents Arizona.