Julius Peppers to be honored at UNC’s homecoming football game

Julius Peppers was one of the greatest football players to ever come through Chapel Hill. Peppers will be honored at Saturday’s UNC-Pitt game for his endless list of contributions.

When it comes to the greatest defensive players in both college football and NFL history, look no further than Julius Peppers.

A former 2-sport athlete who shifted to focus solely on football entering the 2001 college football season, his final one at UNC, Peppers continuously struck fear into opposing quarterbacks. He finished his Tar Heel career with 30.5 sacks, second-most in program history, then earned a Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction for his consistent, star-level production at the professional level.

The Pro Football HOF isn’t the only Hall of Fame Peppers is being inducted to.

On Saturday, Oct. 5 during North Carolina’s homecoming game against Pitt, Peppers will be honored for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

“During the NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salutes, each electee returns to his respective school to accept a Hall of Fame plaque that will stay on permanent display at the institution,” the National Football Foundation writes. “The events take place on the field during a home game, and many Hall of Famers cite the experience as the ultimate capstone to their careers, providing them one more chance to take the field and be recognized in front of their home crowd.”

Peppers’ UNC career was impressive, which also included him being named a First Team All-American, Bednarik Award and Lombardi Award winner in 2001, but the NFL truly cemented Peppers’ legacy.

Peppers played 17 professional seasons with the Carolina Panthers (10), Chicago Bears (four) and Green Bay Packers (three), registering 159.5 sacks (fourth all-time). Peppers was the 2002 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, a 9-time Pro Bowler and he added six defensive touchdowns.

Tar Heel Nation is forever thankful that Peppers chose to spend a small part of his legendary football career in Chapel Hill. Even if you’re not watching Saturday’s UNC-Pitt game for the game itself, make sure you tune in – or attend in-person, if you can – to watch Peppers be honored.

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