Being great for a handful of NFL seasons is an accomplishment in itself. But being great for over a decade? Being recognized as one of the most dominant players of your generation? Now that’s an area reserved only for the best of the best.
Julius Peppers is one of those rare talents who have trespassed into the territory of generational success — a realm of NFL royalty. Peppers’ dominant career at defensive end landed him on ESPN’s NFL All Quarter Century Team, released mid-week.
Congratulations to @juliuspeppers_ for being named to the @espn NFL All Quarter Century Team! pic.twitter.com/tTRIe7Appf
— Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) June 20, 2025
The 53-man squad is loaded with legendary, first-ballot Hall of Fame names. The roster includes all offensive and defensive positions, along with special teamers and coaches. Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, Darrelle Revis, J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, Tony Gonzalez, Randy Moss, Megatron — you name it, the list goes on and on with NFL immortality. North Carolina football Head Coach Bill Belichick made the list as well.
And rightfully honored upon this star-studded list is Peppers, representing Chapel Hill and making Tar Heel Nation incredibly proud. What an unbelievable feat.
Peppers’ longevity was seemingly endless, playing 17 seasons in the most physically taxing league in the world. The Carolina-native spent 10 seasons — his first eight and last two — in his home state on the Carolina Panthers. Peppers also played four seasons with the Chicago Bears and three with the Green Bay Packers.
Peppers was a menace off the edge, rampaging through offensive lines and taking quarterbacks down with him. He struck fear into offenses across the league. Peppers ranks No. 4 all-time among NFL official sack leaders (since 1982), with a crushing 159.5 sacks to his name. In a hit-or-be-hit league, Peppers proved he’s at the top of the food chain.
Some other impressive numbers from Peppers include 557 solo tackles, 52 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries and 175 tackles for loss. The big man even reeled in 11 career interceptions.
As for accolades, Peppers was a six-time All-Pro, including three first-team selections. He was also a nine-time Pro Bowler. On August 3, 2024, Peppers’ career and legacy were forever enshrined in greatness, as he was a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
With an incredible career like that, it’s no surprise that Peppers made the All Quarter Century Team. Very well deserved Julius.