Saturday, August 3 is going to be a special day for seven former football stars, as they’ll hear their names called during the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024 induction ceremony.
All-Pro return man Devin Hester and star wide receiver Andre Johnson, both of whom played for the ACC’s Miami Hurricanes, are two of the more recent inductees to play in an NFL game. You also have a pair of legendary defenders in linebacker Patrick Willis and edge rusher Dwight Freeney, linebacker Randy Gradishar, Super Bowl-winning defensive lineman and – last but not least – former North Carolina Tar Heels standout Julius Peppers, who has the fourth-most NFL sacks all-time.
Peppers held the rare distinction of being a 2-sport athlete at UNC, playing both basketball and football. The latter was his calling, though, with Peppers recording 30.5 carer sacks in Chapel Hill, being named First Team All-ACC twice and winning the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2001.
Peppers was even better as a pro. Along with his 159.5 sacks ranking fourth all-time, Peppers made the Pro Bowl nine times, was a 3-time First Team All-Pro and the 2002 Defensive Rookie of the Year.
While Peppers waits to hear his name called during Saturday’s induction ceremony, he enjoyed a special moment before the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 1.
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It’s customary for inductees to spend the week before in Canton, Ohio – where the Pro Football Hall of Fame is – but it feels even more special to see Peppers there.
What’s even more bittersweet for Peppers, is the fact he got to walk out before his Chicago Bears played. Peppers suited up in Chicago from 2010-2013, though he spent 10 of his 17 years with the Carolina Panthers.
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