After 17 NFL seasons, Julius Peppers hung up the cleats for good and called it a career. The 41-year-old star defensive end is now focusing on life after football and can relax until he receives the call from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When that actually happens is the only thing left up in the air.
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Peppers was one of the most feared defensive ends when he was in the league, but what happened to him since he retired?
Julius Peppers NFL Career
Packers Peppers 🧀🌶 @juliuspeppers_
📺: #GBvsAZ -- Thursday 8pm ET on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/sWW3H8Jyfi— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) October 27, 2021
Ever since he was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft out of North Carolina, the 6-foot-7, 295-pound defensive lineman was an absolute force and one of the greatest pass-rushers of all-time.
He recorded 715 total tackles, including 159.5 career sacks, with 79 pass deflections, 51 forced fumbles, 11 interceptions and six defensive touchdowns while playing stints for the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers before returning to Carolina for his last two seasons.
The numbers look impressive, no doubt, and they are actually historic. Peppers finished his 17-year career with the fourth-most sacks in NFL history, trailing only Bruce Smith, Reggie White, and Kevin Greene — who were all Hall of Famers. Not to mention, he was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-Team All-Pro and was named to the NFL's 200s All-Decade Team.
He received a fitting sendoff on social media, too.
Julius Peppers NFL Retirement
Julius Peppers has something to say... pic.twitter.com/VKGjFmlWum
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 1, 2019
Seriously, that retirement video should give you the chills, especially if you are a Panthers fan. The star defensive end from Bailey, North Carolina went to college close to home before starting and finishing his NFL career in Charlotte.
You couldn't write a better script. There is already a Julius Peppers action figure, and this adds to the legend.
"Thank you, for the victories and the good times, for the lessons and the times we desired more, for the sacrifices, the belief, the confidence, and the unwavering support, I am thankful. Because without you, this wasn't possible.
"Thank you for the spirit, the resolve, and the attitude to keep pounding. It's not just something we say around here. It's how we live. I'm thankful for the things you showed me about life that were bigger than football and for a second chance, a new beginning.
"See, the players, we come and we go. But the constant is you. And as the saying goes, "Once a Panther, always a Panther." Thank you for the memories, the friendships, the laughs, and the culture we created, for the understanding and for being family.
"Thanks for all of the years and cheers, and for being home, now and forever. I wouldn't change a thing about this journey. It was the best teacher I've ever had and was everything I could have hoped for.
"The tough times never lasted and the tough people inspired me to be better and give more. I hope I did the same.
"Only time can reveal what's next, but my time here is up. No regrets, no looking back, and nothing left to give.
"It's not goodbye. It's kind of like I'll see you later.
"But until then, I am grateful, I'm satisfied, and at peace with all that comes next.
"Thank you."
He also penned a heartfelt goodbye in "The Players' Tribune."
Throughout history, more than 70 players have been inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility, and 2021 finalists Calvin Johnson, Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson were the latest to be included on that list.
Aaron Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Rob Gronkowski share thoughts on Julius Peppers#ThankYou90 pic.twitter.com/WqfB0ilfcO
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 1, 2019
Despite the defensive player's amazing career, becoming a first-ballot hall of fame is not a guarantee. However in this case, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers completely deserves to receive his gold jacket in Canton at the very moment he is eligible.
Julius Peppers Now
The @Panthers hire Julius Peppers as special assistant to business operations. #NFL https://t.co/82FjYyrOeS pic.twitter.com/DMsAfHudWH
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) May 9, 2019
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Peppers quickly returned to football in a different capacity after calling it quits on the field. In May 2019, the Panthers hired him as a special assistant of business operations. The nine-time Pro Bowler and 2002 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year still gets to be around the locker room and hang with his old teammates while working with head coach Matt Rhule.
The UNC product remains very active in the Charlotte community and is working to start his own charity foundation. He also spends the extra time with his girlfriend Claudia Sampedro and his kids.
The man who dominated the NFL — from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams in the NFC to the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans in the AFC — is enjoying his new role in the sport.
Peppers, who is the only player in NFL history to record at least 100 sacks and 10 interceptions, makes quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Deshaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers happy he's not on the field anymore. The same can be said for running backs and tight ends. The former defensive end/linebacker hybrid is solely focused on helping his old franchise reach the NFL playoffs again.
