UNC football great [autotag]Julius Peppers[/autotag] is a step closer to entering pro football’s elite club after being named a finalist for the 2024 Hall of Fame class.
Peppers was one of 15 finalists named for the honor, which also features Antonio Gates, Devin Hester, Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Jared Allen, Patrick Willis, Fred Taylor, Dwight Freeney, Darren Woodson, Rodney Harrison, Jahri Evans, Eric Allen and Willie Anderson.
Out of the 15 players, only five will be picked for the high achievement, with Peppers having the opportunity as a first balloter, being his first year of eligibility.
One of the 100 Greatest @ChicagoBears of all-time and the @Panthers Ring of Honor.
Julius Peppers is a Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024. pic.twitter.com/6lFDp9Ve9g
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 28, 2023
Peppers was one of the more feared defensive players during his tenure in the NFL, playing for three teams, most known for the ten years spent in Carolina as a Panther. Peppers has 159.5 sacks in his playing career, ranking 5th most in NFL history, and 52 forced fumbles, ranking second most in NFL history.
Peppers won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002 and was selected to nine pro bowls.
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