Carolina Panthers icon Julius Peppers is on the brink of football immortality, being named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024. This nomination places Peppers in the running for induction in February, alongside football’s most esteemed players.
Peppers’ remarkable 17-year NFL journey is highlighted by nine Pro Bowl selections and six All-Pro nods. He stands fourth in NFL history with 159.5 sacks and is the only player with over 100 sacks and 10 interceptions. Drafted second overall by the Panthers in 2002, Peppers clinched the Defensive Rookie of the Year award and concluded his career with the team in 2017-2018.
A native of eastern North Carolina, Peppers also played college football at the University of North Carolina.
Peppers will be facing a tough lineup of other candidates, including:
- Eric Allen, Cornerback: A dominant force from 1988-2001 with the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, and Oakland Raiders.
- Jared Allen, Defensive End: Known for his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and a stint with the Panthers (2004-2015).
- Willie Anderson, Offensive Tackle: Anchored the line for the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens between 1996-2008.
- Jahri Evans, Guard: A key player for the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers from 2006-2017.
- Dwight Freeney, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker: Excelled with the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions (2002-2017).
- Antonio Gates, Tight End: A Chargers icon from 2003-2018, both in San Diego and Los Angeles.
- Rodney Harrison, Safety: Made his mark with the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots from 1994-2008.
- Devin Hester, Punt Returner/Kick Returner/Wide Receiver: Revolutionized the return game with the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens (2006-2016).
- Torry Holt, Wide Receiver: A key player for the St. Louis Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars (1999-2009).
- Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver: Dominated with the Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and Tennessee Titans (2003-2016).
- Fred Taylor, Running back: Powered through defenses with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots (1998-2010).
- Reggie Wayne, Wide Receiver: A mainstay with the Indianapolis Colts (2001-2014).
- Patrick Willis, Linebacker: A defensive leader for the San Francisco 49ers (2007-2014).
- Darren Woodson, Safety: A key component of the Dallas Cowboys’ defense (1992-2003).
The Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee will deliberate before Super Bowl LVIII to decide the inductees. The Class of 2024 will be unveiled on February 8 during the “NFL Honors” broadcast.