UNC Football Alumni: John Fox recalls criticism for drafting Julius Peppers
By Zack Pearson
John Fox recalls the time he drafted former UNC standout Julius Peppers and was criticized for it
Former head coach John Fox isn’t on a NFL sideline this season for the first time in a very long time. Instead, Fox is serving as a studio analyst for ESPN’s NFL Live show that airs every afternoon during the NFL season.
Fox was let go by the Chicago Bears following the 2017 season after spending three years in the Windy City. He coached former University of North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in his rookie season after the team traded up to draft him No. 2 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
But Trubisky wasn’t the only former UNC player that was drafted No. 2 overall that Fox coached.
Back in 2002, the Carolina Panthers decided to draft UNC defensive end Julius Peppers with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. It’s safe to say that pick has worked out for both the franchise and Peppers as he’s gone on to have several successful seasons in the league.
It’s easy to say the pick was the right choice but at the moment, Fox and the rest of the Panthers front office were criticized for making the pick.
Fox appeared on The Gerry V Show on 730AM The Game ESPN Charlotte earlier this week to discuss the Panthers then and now. The topic of Peppers, who is in his 17th season, was brought up after the Week 1 win.
The former head coach went on to talk about the moment the Panthers drafted Peppers and the decision they faced.
“Believe it or not, way back then, we got ripped by all the talking heads,” said Fox via 247 Sports’ Panthers site. “All the prognosticators were like ‘Why didn’t you take Joey Harrington?!’ or ‘Why didn’t you take the quarterback?!’. I look back at that and I just marvel.”
Peppers has gone on to have a Hall of Fame career playing for the Panthers, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. He’s played in five NFC Championship Games and has made the Super Bowl once. Peppers was also named to the Pro Bowl nine times, an NFL All Pro three times and was named the NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Harrington was selected No. 3 overall by the Detroit Lions in that draft and didn’t last long in the NFL.
Next. M.J. Stewart could see more playing time. dark
Peppers and the Panthers will travel to take on the Falcons in Atlanta in Week 2.