CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers legend Julius Peppers will be enshrined as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time.
Peppers was arguably the most dominant defensive end of his generation, racking up 159.5 career sacks over his 17-year career with the Panthers, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers. He made it to the Pro Bowl nine times and was a six-time All-Pro selection.
Ranked fourth on the all-time sacks list, Peppers is the only player in NFL history with at least 100 sacks and 10 interceptions. The North Carolina native was a standout at the University of North Carolina where he played football and basketball. As a sophomore, he led the nation in sacks and was a unanimous All-American in 2001.
Peppers spent the first eight seasons of his career in Carolina after being drafted No. 2 overall in 2002. He made an immediate impact, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in his first season. He was a driving force in the Panthers' trip to Super Bowl 38. He remains the franchise leader in sacks and tackles for loss.
After successful runs with the Bears and Packers, Peppers returned home to Carolina and played the final two seasons of his career with the Panthers before retiring after the 2018 season.
Steve Smith Sr., the most prolific receiver in Panthers history, was a semifinalist for this year's class but failed to make the cut for the finals. This is the third straight year that Smith was a semifinalist but not among the finalists.
The other legends joining Peppers in the Class of 2024 are Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson, Randy Gradishar, Patrick Willis, Steve McMichael, and Devin Hester. The class will be inducted in August.
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