Original Panther Tyrone Poole named to Black College Football Hall of Fame

Tyrone Poole, a former cornerback for the Carolina Panthers, has been named to the Black College Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026. Poole, who played collegiately at Fort Valley State, was selected by the Panthers in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft. He joins other Panthers legends such as Richard Huntley, Nate Newton, and Greg Lloyd in the Hall of Fame. During his NFL career, Poole played 12 seasons, starting with the Panthers and later moving to the Colts, Broncos, Raiders, and Titans. He won two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and recorded 18 interceptions over his career.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2026 includes six individuals: Tyrone Poole, Jimmy Smith, Eddie Robinson Jr., Nick Collins, coach Rudy Hubbard, and broadcaster Steve Wyche. The inductees will be officially honored at the 17th Annual Induction Ceremony on June 6, 202