UNC Football: Julius Peppers to join Panthers Hall of Honor

This fall, the UNC football legendary defensive end will take his rightful place in the Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor.

During his NFL career, UNC football legend Julius Peppers became one of the most dominant pass-rushers that the sport has ever seen.

As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, it’s safe to say that the Carolina Panthers do not regret that selection at all. In fact, they are honoring Peppers this fall, as he’ll be inducted into the organization’s Hall of Honor.

Peppers, along with wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, are this year’s inductees. With their additions, the Panthers’ Hall of Honor will now have nine members once they are inducted this fall.

The former Tar Heel spent 10 of his 17 NFL seasons in Carolina, as he sits fourth on the league’s all-time sack list (159.5). Among the sack leaders, Peppers only trails some very dominant defensive players- Bruce Smith, Reggie White, and Kevin Greene. He went to nine Pro Bowls and was a six-time All-Pro earning All-Decade honors twice (another testament to his consistency and longevity).

Peppers currently stands as the only player in NFL history with 150 or more sacks and 10 or more interceptions. He’s also second in league history with 51 forced fumbles, and his 82 pass deflections are the second-most for defensive ends since the stat has been tracked beginning in 2000.

In the team’s official press release, here’s what owner David Tepper had to say regarding the induction of Peppers and Muhammad into the Hall of Honor:

"“Muhsin Muhammad and Julius Peppers were drafted by the Panthers. Both became All-Pros here. Both came back to Carolina to finish their careers. This is another homecoming, a permanent one. Not only did Muhsin and Julius set high standards on the field, they also were selected as Panthers Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year team winners. Having gotten to know both these fine men, I have no doubt that they deserve to join the distinguished group of Panthers in the Hall of Honor.”"

Peppers will be recognized in a ceremony at halftime of the Panthers’ home game on October 29 against the Houston Texans.

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