After 17 seasons in the NFL, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has called it a career.
With 11 interceptions, he is the only player in league history to record both 150 sacks and 10 interceptions.
“In getting to know Julius over these past months, I’ve learned that he is a man of few words. When he speaks, everyone listens,” Panthers owner David Tepper said. “With that in mind, I will be brief. He’s one of the best to ever wear a Carolina uniform. He carries himself with dignity, integrity and class, and will always be a Panther.”
Drafted by Carolina second overall in 2002 out of University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Peppers spent seven years with the team that included a Super Bowl appearance in 2003.
"There are very few players that you come across that make you think of the word ‘special’ when you mention their name, but that’s Julius,” Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said, who made Peppers his first-ever draft pick in 2002. “He’s a special player and a special person. His consistency and the ability to make big plays at big times are what define him on the field."
Peppers and the Panthers had a breakup following the 2009 season and Peppers signed a six-year deal with the Chicago Bears. Peppers was released after the 2014 season and signed a three-year deal with the Green Bay Packers.
On March 10, 2017, Peppers and Carolina put the past behind them and the two agreed on a one-year deal. Peppers had another solid year in 2017 with an 11 sack season.
"Off the field, he’s a great leader. He chooses his words carefully. He’s got a great perspective not only on football but on life," Hurney said. For him to be able to come back and to finish his career as a Panther is a great ending to a phenomenal career.”
Peppers played in 266 of a possible 272 regular season games, the sixth most games played by a defensive player in NFL history.