Julius Pepper takes step closer to reaching Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former North Carolina star Julius Peppers is one step closer to being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In his first year as a nominee, Peppers has officially made it to the next round of voting on Tuesday. A group of 25 modern-day semifinalists were announced by the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, trimming the list from 173 that were announced in September.

Peppers and tight end Antonio Gates headlined the list of first-time nominees to make it to the semifinals.

Joining the two as semifinalists are 8 members who made it to the final stage a year ago:  Jared Allen, Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, Patrick Willis, Willie Anderson, and Darren Woodson.

Julius Peppers' list of accomplishments includes:

-Four-time First-Team All-Pro
-Nine Pro Bowls
–@Panthers Ring of Honor
-100 Greatest @ChicagoBears of All-Time

Peppers is now a Semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024. pic.twitter.com/36ZOiaMsXm

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 28, 2023

The class is rounded out by Eric Allen, Anquan Boldin, Jahri Evans, London Fletcher, Eddie George, James Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith Sr., Fred Taylor, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters, Reggie Wayne and Vince Wilfork.

These 25 finalists will be narrowed down to 15 before voting for the class begins.