CHARLOTTE – Legendary Panthers linebacker Sam Mills was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time last year, and has taken another step toward returning to that discussion Tuesday.

Mills was one of the 25 semifinalists named for the Class of 2021 after preliminary voting by the Hall’s selection committee.

Making the final 15 was a significant step for Mills last year, in his 17th year of eligibility.

He was recognized for his leadership of a dominant defense in New Orleans, along with his work building the foundation of the Panthers franchise in its first three years. He also excelled in the USFL, earning his shot and eventually establishing himself as one of his generation’s top inside linebackers.

The list of 25 will be reduced to 15 in the coming weeks, and will be discussed and