Julius Peppers

Football Player

Julius Peppers was born in Wilson, North Carolina, United States on January 18th, 1980 and is the Football Player. At the age of 44, Julius Peppers biography, profession, age, height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, measurements, education, career, dating/affair, family, news updates, and networth are available.

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Date of Birth
January 18, 1980
Nationality
United States
Place of Birth
Wilson, North Carolina, United States
Age
44 years old
Zodiac Sign
Capricorn
Profession
American Football Player
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Julius Peppers Height, Weight, Eye Color and Hair Color

At 44 years old, Julius Peppers has this physical status:

Height
200cm
Weight
134kg
Hair Color
Not Available
Eye Color
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Build
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Measurements
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Julius Peppers Religion, Education, and Hobbies
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Education
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Julius Peppers Spouse(s), Children, Affair, Parents, and Family
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Julius Peppers Life

Julius Frazier Peppers (born January 18, 1980) is a former American football defensive end.

He played college football in North Carolina, was drafted second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft and played for the Chicago Bears from 2010 to 2016 and the Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2016. Peppers has been named to the Pro Bowl nine times, and the first and second All-Pro teams have three times each.

In his rookie season, he was voted NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002, where he had 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and an intercept, while playing in only 12 games.

He was also selected to the All-Decade Team of the NFL in 2000.

Early years

Peppers was born in Wilson, North Carolina, and grew up in Bailey, North Carolina. He attended Bailey Elementary School, Southern Nash Middle School, and then Southern Nash Senior High School, where he played football for Coach Ray Davis. Peppers had grown to 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m), 225 lbs (102 kg), by the time he was a senior at Southern Nash High School. Despite the fact that Peppers had never played football before, when Peppers arrived at Southern Nash for his Freshman year Davis thought Peppers would be a valuable piece on the Firebirds' gridiron. Davis' bet that it would pay off. Peppers played running back and defensive lineman in high school and was one of the state's most dangerous defensive linemen. He has also worked in basketball and has been named all-conference as a power forward for four years. Southern Nash captured the state championship in 1998, the first time in the school's history. Peppers also competed as a sprinter, winning the state championship (3:23.10 minutes) and finishing second as a triple jumper (14.05 meters). He was also said to have climbed to 2.03 meters in the high jump. During his senior year (1997–98), he was voted as a member of the Parade magazine's All-America team in football as an all-purpose player and was also named Male Athlete of the Year by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Peppers was voted by the Rocky Mount Telegram newspaper in 2005 as one of the 50 Most Outstanding Athletes from the Twin County (Nash and Edgecombe) area.

Personal life

Peppers donated $500,000 to a scholarship fund that assists black students at his alma mater of North Carolina in February 2009. The Light on the Hill Society Scholarship, which will be awarded to UNC's oldest black graduates, helps black freshmen who exhibit the potential for academic excellence at UNC and after graduation.

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Julius Peppers Career

College career

Peppers played defensive end for the North Carolina Tar Heels football team from 1998 to 2001, and he appeared at the University of North Carolina, where he played defensive end for the North Carolina Tar Heels football team. He was redshirted as a true freshman in 1998. During his sophomore season (1999), the Peppers led the nation with 15 quarterback sacks, as well as first-team All-American awards and second-team All-American honors. He was a first-team All-American pick for his sophomore season in 2001 and was named as a unanimous first-team All-American. He also received the Chuck Bednarik Award as the country's best defensive player and Lombardi Award as the country's best defensive lineman and the Bill Willis Trophy as the nation's top defensive lineman. Peppers played in 33 of the 34 games in which he competed in North Carolina in three seasons. With 30.5 sacks, he is now ranked second in UNC history. He was 53 stops behind the line of scrimmage, 5 interceptions, 2 forced fumble recoveries, 5 forced fumbles, 5 suspended fumbles, 5 suspended fumbles, 5 suspended fumbles, 5 suspended fumbles, 5 interceptions, 5 tackled, 5 quarterback fumbles, 5 interceptions, 5 blocked fumbles, 13 interceptions, 5 interceptions, 5 suspended fumbles, 5 suspended passes, 13 quarterback fumbledoutput: He fumbledoutput: fumbled's, 2 intercepts, 5 interceptions, 5 interceptions, 5 interceptions, 5 intercepts, 5 intercepts, 5 interceptions, 5 interceptions, 5 interceptions, 5 scramapumbles, 5 suspended scrama, 5 interceptions, 5 intercepted, 5 interceptions, 5 suspended suspensions, 13 interceptions, 13 intercepted, 13 interceptions, 13 interceptions, 12 puntumble deflected, 13 quarterback turnover deflected, and 42 quarterback fumbles, and 42 quarterback puntacka deflected, and 42 quarterback fumbles, and 42 quarterback panics, and 42 quarterback punthrews, and 42 quarterback fumbles, and 42 quarterback punishments, 13 interceptions, 5 quarterback fumbles, 13 intercepted, and 42 quarterback fumbles, 13 interceptions, 13 quarterback deflected, and 42 quarterback fumbles, and 42 quarterback deflected, and 42 quarterback fumbles, and 42 quarterback puntumbles, with 13 interceptions, all scramare intercepted, and 42 quarterback fumbles, with 42 quarterbacks, quarterback are all-42 quarterback pressures, and 42 quarterback fumbles, with 42 quarterback deflected, and 42 quarterback pressures, and 42 quarterback fumbles, 42 quarterbacks, 42 quarterback's, and 42 quarterbacks, and 42 quarterback's, 42 quarterbacks, all over quarterbacks, including fumbles, and 42 quarterback quarterback fumbles, and 42 quarterback were interceptions (hurlies, and 42 quarterback pressures, all intercepts, 42 quarterback's, and 42 quarterback were intercepted, 42 quarterbacks, with 42 quarterback were intercepted, all outlaw 42 quarterback fumbles, and quarterback's were interceptions (hurries) and 42 quarterback's, and 42 quarterback were interceptions, including 42 quarterback fumbles, with 42 quarterback's, with 42 quarterback's, and 42 quarterback were intercepted, butted puntumbles, with 42 quarterback are fumbles, with 42 quarterback fumbles, with 42 quarterback fumbles, with 42 quarterback's, quarterback fumbles, and one fumble recovery for touchdowns, with 42 quarterback fumbles, and quarterback fumbles, with 42 quarterback fumbled, and one fumbles, after the 42 quarterback fumbles, and one fumbled, and one fumbled football fumbled football intercepts, with quarterback fumbled, and 42 quarterback's, all intercepts, with touchdowns, with quarterback fumbled, and one fumbles, and 1 fumbledfumbled, with intercepted football scramage, and one fumbles.

Peppers was also a walk-on member of the University of North Carolina's men's basketball team. Carl Torbush, the North Carolina football coach, said he could play football and then be a walk-on for Bill Guthridge of the North Carolina men's basketball team. He was a reserve on the 1999–2000 Tar Heels team, which made it to the Final Four. Peppers was also a reserve on the 2000-01 men's basketball team. In a loss to Penn State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Peppers scored 21 points and grabbed ten rebounds. Peppers decided to concentrate solely on football after the season, and not in his last season, nor did not play basketball.

Professional career

Peppers was regarded as a top prospect going into the 2002 NFL draft, compared to Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor for his ability to dominate a football game. In the 2002 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers' number two overall pick, quarterback David Carr, would finish second overall, behind # 2 overall pick.

Peppers played in his first NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens on September 8, 2002, deflecting a pass by Ravens quarterback Chris Redman who was intercepted by linebacker Dan Morgan, who then raced 22 yards down field with under two minutes remaining in the game to keep the win; the Panthers won the game by a score of 10–7.

Peppers played up to his name in his second game against the Detroit Lions on September 15, 2002, with three sacks and a compelled fumble for Carolina. Five tackles were also recorded, including one for a loss and the other for a deferred pass.

In the first quarter, Peppers, the second overall pick in the draft, was fired early in the first quarter. On the final play of the first half, he got another a few minutes later, scoring his third, loosening the ball and leaving McMahon motionless on the ground for several minutes. The Lions won by 31–7 over the game.

Peppers had three tackles, three forced fumble, one pass defensed, and an intercept from Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter that he returned 21 yards to linebacker Mark Fields, who gained an additional 30 yards later this season. Leslie O'Neal of the San Diego Chargers set the NFL rookie record for three-sack games in a season last year, marking the second outing of the year.

Peppers' rookie season was also a contributor to the Panthers' winning defense from last in the league in total defense to second in just one season. Peppers will finish his rookie season with 28 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 12 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 intercept, 5 passes defensed, and 3 stuffs. Peppers will receive the NFL Rookie of the Month Award in October 2002 and the 2002 Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for his efforts. Peppers was suspended for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy by taking a banned diet supplement with four remaining games. Peppers would go on to say that a friend gave him a dietary supplement to help him fight exhaustion. The pills were contaminated with an ephedra drug that had been outlawed by the NFL. Peppers said it was an honest mistake on his part and that he'd be more cautious in the future.

Brentson Buckner, Kris Jenkins, and Mike Rucker were all members of Peppers' second season defensive line. The Panthers will be a key cog in their Super Bowl run, as a unit works together. The Peppers will finish the season with 37 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 3 fort fumbles, three forced fumbles, 3 passes defensed, 4 stuffs, and 1 blocked kick.

Peppers will make a couple of extraordinary highlight reel plays in their wild card round playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. After a 28-yard gain, the Peppers will chase Cowboys receiver Joey Galloway, one of the fastest players in football history, and run him out of bounds in the first quarter. Peppers would intercept Dallas Quarterback Quincy Carter and return it 34 yards to the Cowboys 11 yard line later in the fourth quarter as the Cowboys were attempting to mount a comeback. In the game, the Peppers had 1 tackle, 1 interception, and 1 pass defense. The Panthers won the game 29–10. Peppers will have another strong showing against the St. Louis Rams, with a sack, 2 passes guarded, and 4 tackles, one of which came on a shuffle pass in the second quarter to running back Marshall Faulk. As the Panthers defeated the Rams 29–23, the game will go into double overtime. Peppers will record 2 tackles in the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles next week, leading to a tense defensive effort for the Panthers as they held them to just 3 points. The Panthers will prevail by a score of 14–3.

The Panthers advanced to the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history and met up against the New England Patriots, the game would be a huge hit as both teams went back and forth throughout the game. Throughout the game, the Peppers will rush New England QB Tom Brady and then press him to his limits. Peppers burst into the Patriots' backfield on the first defensive snap of the game for the first defensive snap of the season, with a ferocious display and hitting Tom Brady right as Brady announced the ball for a completion to WR Deion Branch. As the Pats opened their game Peppers was cut off by Patriots Offensive Tackle Tom Ashworth, two plays later, Peppers responded quickly and practically deflected the pass as it whizzed by. As Peppers tossed Ashworth to the ground like a rag doll, they tossed him into the Patriots backfield alongside blitzing Tom Brady for an incompletion, and then later in the game as Peppers hurled Tom Ashworth into the air for an incompletion. On their first drive, the Patriots missed a field goal. On the next Patriots possession, Peppers helped force a three and out by throwing Pats Running Back Kevin Faulk to the ground, who had been supposed to stop him on the third down play, and then leaped into the air to change Brady's pass as it was finished short of the first down marker. Peppers exploded off the line of scrimmage, rushing against a double team, and sped the quarterback and guard back to Brady barely escaping out on a sack, as Brady did not sidestep him. Peppers disregarded New England Tight End Christian Fauria to tackle Running Back Antowain Smith after a gain of only one yard on the Panthers' first defensive snap of the second half. Brady rushed Ashworth right at Brady and nicked Brady on the helmet with his left hand right after Brady declared the ball, completing the pass for a first down on the Patriots' second possession of the second half. Peppers "was a star waiting to happen," play sports analyst Phil Simms said. On a running play by the Patriots, Ashworth was thrown to the ground as he was in a good position to defend against the run for a brief period of time. In a play early in the fourth quarter, the Peppers dropped into coverage and made a tackle on Receiver Troy Brown. With 7:48 remaining on the clock, the Patriots led Ashworth to the ground, forcing Brady's cornerback End Al Wallace to pass Brady sooner and force Brady to pass on a hurried throw intercepted by Cornerback Reggie Howard. Peppers dominated Ashworth on the first play of the new Patriots possession, with bull Rushing him right back to Tom Brady nearly being suspended on the ground, as he and fellow Panthers Defensive End Mike Rucker hurried Brady into a quick throw that culminated in a sack. On the Patriots' final drive of the game near the end of the fourth quarter, they used an outside rush to beat Ashworth and force him to the ground. Tom Brady was yelling him to the ground just as he called the hurried throw for an incompletion. For the remainder of the Patriots' possession, Peppers was double team blocked. Peppers was a disruptive force in Super Bowl XXIII.

With 1:08 remaining in the game and the score tied 29-29, the Patriots were forced to play short field when quarterback John Kasay kicked the ball out of bounds on the play, leaving the Patriots with the ball at their own 40 yard line with just over a minute to spare and three timeouts to use. Brady put the Patriots down to field goal range, and Pats kicker Adam Vinatieri kicked a 41 yard field goal through the uprights with 4 seconds remaining for the victory. Peppers and the Panthers were humiliated, but the Panthers fought vainly until the final whistle. The Patriots claimed their second Super Bowl title in three years.

Donovan McNabb and Peppers were the first players to compete in both the NCAA men's basketball Final Four and the NFL's Super Bowl.

On third-and-three against the Denver Broncos on October 10, 2004, he was tricked on the play at first but regained control in time to boot Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer out of bounds on a bootleg after a 2-yard gain. Plummer's pass was intercepted by the narrator on fourth and 1, a NFL record for a defensive lineman. In a losing effort to the Broncos by a score of 17-20, the Peppers will post 4 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defense.

Peppers had one of the NFL's most dominant games of the season by blocking a 26-yard field goal attempt for a touchdown, marking Peppers' first touchdown return and first interception by a defensive lineman in the Carolina Panthers history. On a 68-yard screen pass in the second quarter, he had 1 pass defensed, 1 sack, and four tackles, with one on which he chased down Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman from behind. The Panthers will defeat the Buccaneers 21–14.

In Week 15, Peppers' victory over the Atlanta Falcons would also be remembered. Michael Vick was also harassed and chased throughout the game, one being for a loss of yards, 1 pass defensed, and a touchdown recovery by a 60 yard kick. During the second quarter, the Peppers will line up as a wide receiver in the red zone and pass just outside the end zone, which may have resulted in a touchdown catch for Peppers if not handled more precisely by Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme. The Falcons were a close match, but the Panthers would lose by a score of 34–31.

The Peppers will also have 143 total interception return yards, the most single season by a defensive lineman. He also had 203 interceptions and fumble return yards, the most by a defensive lineman in a single season since the NFL merger in 1970.

With 52 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 11 sacks, 1 forced fumbles, 1 fumble return, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions, 9 passes defensed, 1 blocked kick, and 2 defensive touchdowns, the Peppers will finish the season on the season.

Peppers was named to his first NFL Pro Bowl while also earning a spot on the NFL's All Pro First-Team for his efforts. In November 2004, the Peppers will also be named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month and placed fourth overall in the Associated Press' poll for the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. The Kansas City Committee has selected him as the NFC Defensive Player of the Year as well as the NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year.

In his sixth game of the season against the Lions, the Peppers broke a bone in his right hand, but the Panthers would return to the arena with a cast and help the Panthers win 21-20. With a cast on his hand, he'll play the next few games. Peppers will post three sack games during the season, one against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9, in which Peppers also had 5 tackles in addition to his 3 sacks.

In Week 16, the Dallas Cowboys had 8 tackles, 1 pass defense, and 1 blocked kick. Peppers was a total threat and was all over the field for the Panthers' defense, but the Panthers would lose the game 20-24, despite Peppers' efforts.

For the season, the Peppers had 38 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recover, 1 fumble recovery, 6 passes defensed, 5 items, and 1 blocked kick. Peppers will make his second Pro Bowl appearance for his efforts.

Peppers was part of a defensive effort that kept scoreless the New York Giants offense, which finished third in the NFL in points per game. The Giants only passed for 132 yards in total offense. When the Los Angeles Rams posted a 9-0 victory over Tampa Bay (1/5/80) in the 1979 NFC Championship, the Panthers became the first team to record a shutout on the road in the playoffs since 1980. This was the third time Carolina shutouts in team history. Coach John Fox had Carolina ready for everything New York attempted, rattling Eli Manning into four turnovers and booting him four times, and yelling him repeatedly throughout the game en route to a 23-0 win. Peppers had 2 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 pass defense.

Peppers suffered his shoulder while driving Bears running back Thomas Jones out of bounds near the goal line in the fourth quarter, when Peppers hurt his shoulder. After the game, the Peppers were sent to the locker room, but not the game. Peppers had three tackles and helped the Panthers win 29-21.

With a strained shoulder and a record 6 tackles 1 being missing, the Panthers will lose the game 34–14 and miss out on a chance to play in the Super Bowl.

The Peppers would play two three-sack games during the season, his first against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, in which he finished 8 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 pass defense, and 1 blocked kick.

For QB Charlie Frye and the Browns offensive line, it would be a nightmare all game long against the Cleveland Browns. Peppers would record 5 tackles, one for a loss of yards, a forced fumble, fumble return on the same play, 5 other QB hits, and a pass defense in which the Peppers made an impressive play. Lawrence Fullback Fullback Lawrence Vickers won a handoff right but then pushed down to pass the ball. Peppers, who was playing left, read the play before it began to unfold, sprinted downfield, and tipped the ball away from tight end Kellen Winslow II. The Panthers beat the Browns 20-12 thanks to Pepper's dominant play.

Peppers became the Panthers' all-time sacks leader after making 2 sacks during the game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. In yet another game in which Peppers looked to be the most offensive defensive player in the league, the Peppers also had 8 tackles and a forced fumble. ..

Peppers had 4 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 pass defense, and one fumbled during week 10 against the Buccaneers, leading to the Buccaneers' 24-10 victory. Peppers was so dominant in the game that ESPN Night Football analyst Joe Theismann likened him to Lawrence Taylor, whom Joe had played against when he was a Quarterback for the Washington Redskins and Taylor for the New York Giants. Taylor ended his career when he broke his right leg during a 1985 Monday Night Football game.

For the month of October 2006, the Peppers received the NFC Defensive Player of the Month Award, his second in the league. Peppers finished the season with 49 solo tackles, 9 assisted tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 6 passes defensed, 7 stuffs, and 2 blocked kicks. Peppers was named NFL First-Team All Pro for the third time in his career for his efforts.

Peppers was named as the Panthers defensive captain after Hurricane Mike Minter's retirement after the 2006 season. After only completing 30 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 3 forks, 2 blocked fumbles, 2 intercept intercepts, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 intercept, 1 blocked kick, and 2 blocked kicks, the Peppers had a down season in 2007. Peppers were suffering from an undisclosed illness and weight loss, which is believed to have played a role in his down season. With a sprained MCL in his right knee, the Peppers also missed the final two games of the season.

Peppers returned to his former glory in 2008 after a career-high 14.5 sacks. When the Peppers took up left defensive end to right defensive end in college, they would go from left defensive end to right defensive end before the season, which was the position he played at the University of North Carolina. Julius' best game of the season came against the Oakland Lions in Week 10, a game in which he had 7 tackles, 3 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass defensed, the Peppers dominated over the Raiders, leading to a 17–6 victory. After his success, he would earn his second NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award.

The Peppers had 40 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, 14.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 5 intercepted tackles, 5 scramblings, 5 possessions, 1 blocked kick, and 1 blocked kick. Peppers was the fourth of his career after being on the NFC Pro Bowl team during the season. He has also been named second-Team All Pro honors. Since the 2008 NFL regular season, the Panthers made the playoffs but lost by a score of 33-13 to the Arizona Cardinals in the divisional round. Peppers told ESPN's Chris Mortensen on January 16, 2009 that he did not want to re-sign a long-term contract with the Panthers and would like to investigate options with another team, particularly one with a 3-4 defensive lineup. He also expressed the desire or eagerness to shift from a defensive linebacker to an outsider. Peppers said if the franchise were tagged, he would request a trade. However, despite his request, the Panthers will still display the Franchise tag on February 19th.

Peppers' first stint with the Panthers came to an end in 2009. In a Week 1, 38-09 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Peppers started the season off with 5 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass defense, and 1 blocked kick. However, the Peppers went without a sack during the first two games against the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys, both losing as the Panthers began the season 0–3. Beason would later admit that he was mistaken in predicting Peppers' demise and that Julius would be one of the best players to ever play in the NFL.

Peppers returned to action against the Washington Redskins in Week 5 of the 2009 season by throwing 5 tackles, 2 sacks, and with the help of Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis, the Panthers tackled Redskins Running Back Clinton Portis in the end zone for a safety. Peppers aided the Panthers in their first victory of the season by defeating Washington 20–17. Peppers made 3 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 intercept, 1 intercept for a 13-yard touchdown, 1 pass defense, earning him his third NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award in Week 8, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 34-21. Peppers broke his right hand against the New Orleans Saints in Week 29, but he continued to play with a cast over the next few games.

Julius Peppers had one of his best games of his career against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15, but the Peppers also had 5 quarterback hurries and was all over the field, prompting sports writer Peter King to say that Peppers looked like Lawrence Taylor and Deacon Jones.

Peppers did so well that Vikings Pro Bowl left tackle Bryant McKinnie was benched by Vikings head coach Brad Childress, causing Vikings Pro Bowl right tackle Bryant McKinnie to be suspended by Vikings head coach Brad Childress. Peppers' popularity led not only to Childress' change, but also suggested making a quarterback swap, which Vikings quarterback Brett Favre resisted. The child, according to the narrator, who said he wanted to shield Favre, who was getting his rear end kicked and was receiving a beating. Julius Peppers played in his last game with the Carolina Panthers during his rookie season with the team on January 3, 2010. The Peppers had 3 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defensed. Peppers' intercept was, at the time, the final game of his Panthers career, but Peppers will return to his home state team before the 2017 NFL season. Julius finished the season with 36 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 10.5 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 1 fumble return, 2 interceptions, 1 blocked kick, and 1 defensive touchdown.

Peppers was voted to his fifth Pro Bowl and also earned Second-Team All Pro accolades. Adam Schefter reported on February 22, 2010, that the Panthers would not use the franchise tag on Peppers, leaving him unrestricted free agent and free to pursue a trade with another team.

The Chicago Bears agreed Peppers to a six-year deal worth $91.5 million on March 5, 2010, with $42 million guaranteed in the first three years. The Peppers made a quick impact in Week 1 versus the Detroit Lions by sacking quarterback Matthew Stafford and sparking a fumble with 29 seconds to go. Stafford was out for the remainder of the game after the hit Peppers knocked him out.

Peppers had just two tackles against the Packers in Week 3 but was a thorn in the Packers' offensive line and Quarterback Aaron Rodgers' game long, prompting multiple false starts and holding penalties, as well as scrambling Rodgers in the pocket all game long. The Bears also blocked a field goal that would have ultimately made the difference in the game if the Packers were defeated by 3 points by a score of 20-21.

Peppers returned to his hometown, the Carolina Panthers, to face his old team, the Carolina Panthers, in a game in which he and the Bears won by a score of 23–6. Peppers' best play of the game was when he tipped a Jimmy Clausen pass and dived beneath it by diving underneath the ball. With 4 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass defense, the Peppers won the game.

Peppers had his first three-sack appearance as a member of the Chicago Bears in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins, with 6 tackles, 3 sacks, and one pass deflection that was intercepted. He was named as the fourth NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award of his career for his efforts. For the third time in his career, the Peppers will also win the NFC Defensive Player of the Month Award in November 2010, marking the third time in his career that he has been able to receive the award.

With 43 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, 8 forced fumbles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 9 passes defensed, 5 blockings, and 1 blocked kick, the Peppers finished the season with 43 solo tackles, 11 assist tackles, 11 assistive tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 8 sacks, 3 interceptions, 8 blocked tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions, 5 tackles, 5 tackles, 1 blocked kicks His impact was felt more when it came to placing pressure on opposing quarterbacks, redirecting running plays, or helping with the tackle. Julius was chosen to his sixth Pro Bowl and was assigned to his third, First-Team All Pro team. In addition, the Peppers finished fourth in voting for the NFL's 2010 Defensive Player of the Year Award, which was also won by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu.

He helped the Bears advance to the playoffs for the first time since the 2006 season, and aided them in defeating the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round by a score of 35–24. The Peppers and the Bears came within one game of winning the Super Bowl, but the Green Bay Packers lost in the NFC championship game 21-14.

Sportswriter Peter King wrote an article in his 2010 All-Pro Team column:'s adamant,'s astute.'

Despite playing consistently double teams and most of the season with a sprained MCL in his left knee that he suffered against the Detroit Lions in Week 5, the Peppers pressed himself on his 2010 season by starting all 16 games and leading the Bears defense with 11 sacks. However, Peppers continued to record 33 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles, 3 quarterback fumbles, 3 forced fumbles, 2 quarterback fumbles, 2 interceptions, 6 tackles, and 2 blocked kicks. Peppers received his fourth NFC Defensive Player of the Month award for November, with 6 tackles, 4 sacks, and three pass breakups. Peppers' rookie sack by the league for his split with fellow Bears defensive lineman Matt Toeaina, making him the 20th player in NFL history to do so. Peppers was named to the Pro Bowl for his efforts, his seventh appearance in his career.

Peppers had plantar fasciitis throughout the 2012 season, but he was still out for 11.5 sacks on the season, becoming the first Bears player to record at least 11 sacks in two consecutive seasons since Richard Dent. The Peppers also earned a career-high four fumbles, tied for second place in the league, putting the team in first place.

Peppers had 5 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass defensed in Week 16, the ninth time he had been convicted of at least three sacks in a game, despite his career. Peppers received his fifth NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award in Week 16, his ninth appearance in his career. The Peppers finished the season with 32 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 4 fumble attempts, 3 pass defenses, and 1 blocked kick. He was named to the 2013 Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his career and eighth of his career, and he was also selected to the NFL's 2012 All-Pro Second Team. Brian Piccolo, a former Bears running back, was also named winner of the Bears Brian Piccolo Award, which is given annually to the player who best exemplifies the commitment, teamwork, dedication, and hum of humor of Brian Piccolo.

Julius Peppers was named by Profootballtalk.com on June 5, 2013 as one of the franchise's most key players. Peppers was named to their "Madden NFL All-Team" team on July 31, 2013, according to EA Tiburon.

Peppers said after one of the Bears' practices that he felt 25 years old and that he wanted to win the first Deacon Jones Award, which was supposed to be given to the player with the most sacks in the league. Peppers returned 42 yards for a Bears touchdown with under four minutes remaining in Week 3 of the 2013 NFL season in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, assisting in the Bears' victory by a score of 40-23. It was the second fumble recovery game for Peppers, as well as his fourth touchdown field goal. Peppers had a career-high 11 tackles, two sacks, and two more tackles for missing in the Bears' 22-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. The Peppers finished the season with 31 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, two forced fumbles, one fumble recoverion, one interception, two possessions, and one defensive touchdown.

Peppers was released by the Chicago Bears on March 11, 2014 after attempting to trade him were unsuccessful.

On March 15, 2014, Peppers agreed to a three-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. In the first year, the deal was worth $30 million with $8.5 million as a result, as well as a $7.5 million guarantee.

Peppers played his first snap as a Green Bay Packer and his 40th career fumble recovery on the same play in Week 3 of the 2014 NFL season. It was a losing proposition against the Detroit Lions by a score of 19–7. Peppers recorded his tenth career interception in Week 5 of the 2014 NFL season, raced across the field and down the sideline 49 yards to score his fifth touchdown of his career. Peppers became the first quarterback in NFL history to see at least 100 sacks and ten interceptions, as well as a pass defense, and a half-sack for the Packers' victory over the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 42–10. Peppers was named NFC defensive player of the week for the sixth time in his career, joining Chris Doleman and Chris Doleman as the only two players to win the award with three different teams.

In 1982, Peppers became the first player since sacks became a known statistic in three separate games. On the same play against Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, the Peppers had 4 tackles, 2 passes defensed, and a sack, which resulted in a fumble, and a fumble recovery. By a score of 55-14, the Packers defeated Peppers' former team.

Peppers was 22 tackles on his 11th career interception, and he finished 52 yards for a touchdown, becoming the first NFL player to score at least 100 sacks and four intercept-return touchdowns in Week 11. It was Pepper's sixth touchdown reception in totality, with both interceptions and fumble recoveries returning. The Packers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 53-20.

The Peppers finished the season with 29 solo tackles, 15 assisted tackles, 7 forced fumbles, 3 suspended fumbles, 3 touchdown recoveries, 2 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns, 11 passes defensed, and 4 stuffs.

With 101 interception return yards, the Peppers also ranked first among all linebackers and defensive linemen in the NFL.

Peppers would have a solid showing in the Divisional playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys, starting with a fumble on the third play of the game, drawing a holding penalty, and eventually causing a fumble of running back DeMarco Murray in the third quarter that the Packers recovered and stopped Murray from the end zone. Peppers' game changing play has continued throughout his career, and he has been one of the NFL's most influential defensive force since Lawrence Taylor's days as a game-stuggling force. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 26-21, defeating them 26-21.

In the NFC Championship Game, the Packers will meet the Seattle Seahawks. The Peppers will put on another good playoff appearance by sacking 1.5 sacks, three quarterback hits, and heaping more pressure on Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson throughout the game, but the Packers will fall short in overtime by a score of 28–22.

Peppers began his fourteenth NFL season with a bang against his former team, the Chicago Bears. Peppers recorded 6 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the day, as well as assisting the Packers in defeating the Bears by a score of 31–23.

Peppers led his teammates North Carolina alumni and former New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor to tenth place on the all-time NFL sacks list in Week 15 against the Oakland Panthers, with 4 tackles and 2.5 sacks, moving him over the top of the all-time NFL sacks list, totaling 135 sacks. The Packers defeated the Browns by a score of 30–20.

The Peppers finished the season with 25 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 2 items. He was also selected for his ninth Pro Bowl appearance.

Peppers helped the Packers reach the playoffs and win their wild card round playoff game against the Washington Redskins by a score of 35–18, he had many quarterback pressures and two tackles in the game. Peppers will face the Arizona Cardinals in the next round, adding more quarterback pressures and a sack, but the Packers will lose the game in overtime, 26-20.

Julius Peppers, one of the top three living NFL sack leaders of all time, Bruce Smith, Kevin Greene, and Chris Doleman all agreed that when he retires, he should be a Hall of Famer.

Peppers fired Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler in Week 13, putting him in ninth place on the NFL's all-time sack list with 142.5, surpassing former New York Giants Hall of Fame Defensive End Michael Strahan for fifth place. Peppers finished the game with 5 tackles and 1 sack, helping the Packers beat the Texans by a score of 21-13. Peppers had four tackles, a sack, a forcible fumble, and a fumble revival on the first play of the second half in Week 15 against his former team, the Chicago Bears.

With 15 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 3 passes defensed, and 1 stuff, the Peppers finished the season on record.

Peppers sacked Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the first half of the NFC wild card playoff round against the New York Giants in the first half on a third down play to spark a Giants punt. The Peppers also ended another Giants' drive on third down when he batted a pass that was almost intercepted, and another on a later play by striking Eli Manning right as he announced the pass, resulting in incompletion. With a score of 38-13 and a divisional playoff round against the Dallas Cowboys, the Peppers finished the game with 3 tackles, 1 sack, 2 quarterback hits, and 2 passes defended. Peppers helped beat the Cowboys 34–31 last week, but the Packers lost to the Atlanta Falcons a week later in the NFC championship game 44–21.

Peppers signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers on March 10, 2017. Peppers said that even though he was away from his home state of North Carolina and his hometown state team, and the Carolina Panthers, who drafted him, "home is where the heart is." He also said he always wanted to return to the Panthers and resurrect the team's and fan relations, giving them a second chance to see him wear the Panthers uniform once more. Peppers was given the jersey number 90, which was the same number he wore for the first eight years of his career while playing for the Carolina Panthers for the first eight years of his career.

Peppers had a half sack and 2 QB hits in Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season, as a member of the Panthers. Peppers would be the last player to be introduced to the audience in Charlotte, North Carolina, as he came out of the tunnel to a huge standing ovation, excited to be back for his home state team, and team that drafted him with the second pick in the 2002 NFL draft. It had been almost eight years since the Panthers legend had signed up for his home state team in Charlotte, and he was preparing for a game for the home crowd, as well as assisting with the shut down of the Buffalo Bills running game and threatening Bills QB Tyrod Taylor all game long. Prosecutors in North Carolina's prodigal son made the Panthers beat the Bills by a score of 9-3 on a special day. Peppers will go on to say that this defense is the best he's ever been a part of.

Peppers was a quarterback for the Panthers over the New England Patriots 33-30 in week 4. Although playing with a right shoulder injury of his own that required him to stop Brady, the Peppers had another good show, with three tackles, 2 sacks, 3 QB hits, and almost had another sack and compelled fumble right before halftime. Peppers was named NFC Defensive Player of The Week for the seventh time in his career, thanks to his tireless efforts. Matthew Stafford, the Lions' quarterback, was fired from the team in Week 5, while others had a big 4th down tackle for a 4-yard loss that resulted in a turnover on downs. The Panthers would defeat the Lions by a margin of 27–24. Peppers made his 150th career sacking against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6, making him the fifth player in NFL history to reach that milestone. He also caused a fumble on the same play, putting him 48 years behind him and tied for second most all time with former Defensive End John Abraham. However, the Panthers lost 28-23. Peppers got his 151st dismissal after beating Tampa Bay in Week 8, taking him ahead of Chris Doleman for his fourth most all-time. Peppers also scored his 49th career forced fumble on the same play, putting him in sole possession of second place on the all-time force fumbles list. Peppers was fired with 7.5 sacks for the season, tying him with Bruce Smith for the most seasons with at least 7 sacks (15). The Peppers scored a half sack late in the fourth quarter against quarterback Aaron Rodgers, enabling the Panthers to win 31–24. Peppers was fired 10 sacks on the season and ten in total, and the fourth player in NFL history to reach that milestone. Peppers also became the third player in NFL history at least 37 years old to score at least ten sacks in a season.

With 21 solo tackles, 12 assisted tackles, 11 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 3 stuffs, the Peppers finished the season.

Peppers aided the Panthers in the playoffs and met the New Orleans Saints in the wild card round. In the fourth quarter, the Peppers would have 2 tackles in the game, with a big tackle for loss on third down with 2:27 remaining. On fourth down, the Saints will return for it, while Saints quarterback Drew Brees would intercept a touchdown, giving the Panthers offense a chance to win the game, but the Panthers offense was unable to score, causing the Panthers to lose by a score of 31–26.

Peppers and the Panthers announced on March 14, 2018, a one-year deal extension.

Peppers was fired and a forcible fumble against the Washington Redskins in week 6, giving him 50 forced fumbles for his career. Peppers is only the second player in NFL history to have at least 50 forced fumbles, the first being Robert Mathis. The Panthers would lose the game until 17-23. Peppers was fired and compelled to fumble on fourth down late in the fourth quarter, giving the Panthers a win by a score of 21-17. Peppers would have yet another strong showing against the New Orleans Saints in what would be his last NFL game, one of many in his Hall of Fame career. Peppers had 4 solo tackles, 1 sack, 2 other tackles for injury, and 1 pass defensed as he appeared to be all over the field in his efforts to beat the Saints by a score of 33-14.

With 14 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 6 passes defensed, and 3 stuffs, the Peppers finished the season on a high note.

Peppers announced his retirement on February 1, 2019, after a 17-year career in the NFL. Peppers finished his career with 716 total tackles and 159.5 sacks (fourth most all-time), second only to Bruce Smith (200), Reggie White (198) and Kevin Greene (160). Since firings became legal in 1982, he dismissed 77 different quarterbacks, tying with Hall of Famer Reggie White for the most. At least one of the NFL's 32 franchises was fired against 30 of the NFL's 32 franchises. The Bengals (three games against) and the Colts (four games against) were the exceptions. He had 51 forced fumbles (second most all-time) in his second career, 11 interceptions, 82 passes defensed, 6 defensive touchdowns scored, with six interceptions intercepted, six interceptions intercepted, and two fumble recoveries) and 13 blocked kicks (second most all-time). He played in 266 of a possible 272 games during his career, the sixth most games played by a defensive player in NFL history.

Post-playing career

Peppers was hired as a special assistant of business operations with the Carolina Panthers on May 8, 2019.

Source

Julius Peppers Awards

NFL awards and honors

  • NFL Rookie of the Month (10/02)
  • 2002 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
  • Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie Team (2002)
  • 2004 NFC Defensive Player of the Year
  • 2004 NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year
  • 2013 Brian Piccolo Award
  • 2018 Panthers' Ed Block Courage Award
  • NFL 2000s All Decade Team
  • Pro-Football-Reference All 2000s Team
  • 100 Sacks Club
  • 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015 NFC Pro Bowl
  • 2004, 2006, 2010 All-Pro First Team
  • 2008, 2009, 2012 All-Pro Second Team
  • Seven time NFC Defensive Player of the Week (11/13/06, 11/9/08, 11/1/09, 11/18/10, 12/23/12, February 10, 2014, January 10, 2017)
  • Four time NFC Defensive Player of the Month (11/2004, 10/2006, 11/2010, 11/2011)

Chicago Bears and Houston Texans to kick off 2024 NFL preseason in Hall of Fame Game... with Steve McMichael and Julius Peppers among legends set to be enshrined in Canton

www.dailymail.co.uk, March 26, 2024
To kick off the NFL preseason, the Chicago Bears and the Houston Texans will play in the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio during the Class of 2024's enshrinement week. Chicago and Houston were chosen for the contest, much like the participants of many previous versions of the game, due to having alumni being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame that weekend. The game will kick off on August 1, with the yearly enshrinement taking place August 3.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 nominees Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates are among the field's top 15 candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024

www.dailymail.co.uk, December 28, 2023
Julius Peppers, a former defensive end for the Carolina Panthers, and the Los Angeles Chargers close to becoming first-time finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 in their first years on the ballot. The only first-timers to make the 15-player cut are Gates and Peppers. Torry Holt and Reggie Wayne have been finalists five times and will again be in this year's pool. As Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates, there are seven of whom will return to the poll, including Patrick Willis, Andre Johnson and Jared Allen.
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