Julius Peppers
Julius Frazier Peppers (born January 18, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, where he was recognized as a unanimous All-American, and was selected by the Carolina Panthers second overall in the 2002 NFL draft, and also played for the Chicago Bears from 2010 through 2013 and the Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2016. After rejoining the Panthers for the 2017 season, he retired after the 2018 NFL season.
No. 90, 56
January 18, 1980
Wilson, North Carolina, U.S.
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
295 lb (134 kg)
North Carolina (1998–2001)
719
719
159.5
82
11
52
6
Peppers was named to the Pro Bowl nine times, and both the first and second All-Pro teams three times each. In his rookie season, he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002, where he recorded 12 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and an interception, all while playing in only 12 games. He was named to the 2000s and NFL 2010s All-Decade Teams. In 2024, Peppers was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first player to be drafted by the Carolina Panthers to be inducted.[1]
Early years[edit]
Peppers was born in Wilson, North Carolina, and raised in nearby Bailey.[2][3] He attended Bailey Elementary School, Southern Nash Middle School, and Southern Nash High School where he played football for Coach Ray Davis.[4] By the time he was a senior at Southern Nash High School, Peppers had grown to 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 225 lb (102 kg). When Peppers arrived at Southern Nash his freshman year, Davis felt that Peppers would be an asset on the gridiron for the Firebirds, despite the fact that Peppers had never played football before. During his high school career, Peppers played running back and defensive lineman, finished his career with 3,501 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns, and was one of the most dangerous defensive linemen in the state.[5]
Peppers lettered in basketball and was voted all-conference as a power forward for four consecutive years.[6] In 1998, Southern Nash won the state championship in track for the first time in the school's history. Peppers contributed as a sprinter, winning the state championship in the 4×400 meter team relay (3:23.10 minutes) and finishing second as a triple jumper (14.05 meters).[7] During his senior year (1997–98), he was named to the Parade magazine high school All-America team in football as an all-purpose talent and was named Male Athlete of the Year by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. In 2005, Peppers was named by the Rocky Mount Telegram newspaper as one of the 50 Greatest Athletes from the Twin County (Nash and Edgecombe) area.
Post-playing career[edit]
On May 8, 2019, Peppers was hired as a special assistant of business operations with the Carolina Panthers.[211] He and wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad were inducted into the Panthers' Hall of Honor on October 29, 2023. [212]
On February 8, 2024, Peppers was selected to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in his first year of eligibility.[213]
Personal life[edit]
In February 2009, Peppers donated $500,000 to a scholarship program that supports black students at his alma mater of North Carolina. His donation went to the Light on the Hill Society Scholarship, a tribute to UNC's earliest black graduates which helps alumni and friends support black freshmen who show the potential for academic excellence at UNC and after they graduate.[231]
