Carson, who was born in Florence, S.C., and starred at South Carolina State before his 13-year career with the Giants that included nine Pro Bowls, six All-Pros and a Super Bowl ring, said Kuechly was the model of what a linebacker should be. And they have a high standard, and they talk.

“As linebackers, we have a certain amount of pride that we carry with us, and we probably think that we are the best group in the room as opposed to a defensive lineman or defensive backs,” Carson said with a laugh. “It’s an elite group of individuals who take great pride in playing the game, you have guys like a Dick Butkus and Sam Huff and Lawrence Taylor and Robert Brazile.

“They’re in for life. That bronze bust will be there for the rest of his life and for the next 40,000 years, as it was told to me by my sculptor. So, anytime you’re looking at greatness at the linebacker position, Luke Kuechly is an outstanding player. He’s there.”

Carson was elected in his seventh year as a finalist, and his 13th year of eligibility, in 2006. Brazile, who was known as Dr. Doom for his work with the Houston Oilers, was inducted as a senior in 2018, 30-plus years after he played. So they also know about waiting, and said the fact Kuechly had to wait an extra year to be inducted was no longer a factor.

“All you have to do is look and see who’s there; they didn’t have to tell you anything. I think I could sum that up in one word: validation,” Brazile said. “You have an opportunity. I can remember when I was a kid wanting to be like these guys in high school, and wanting to imitate them. Then, when you’re finally sitting in the same room with them, and they’ll welcome you to this elite group of people, you’ll say, hey, I’m in the right place now. It took me 30 years, but when I got there, all these guys said, ‘Come on in.’ You can hardly believe that those guys who were the creme de la creme who were there to welcome us in — Willie Lanier, Sam Huff, Dick Butkus, and all of a sudden, all of a sudden, you’re there rubbing shoulders with these guys.

“Harry got something in his coat. I got something in my coat. There’ll never be another No. 312. There’ll never be another 231.”