When Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper recently video chatted Julius Peppers, he seemed a bit surprised by how svelte the franchise great is. But the surprise Tepper had for Peppers was a tad heavier.
On Monday, the team announced the former defensive end—as well as former wide receiver and teammate Muhsin Muhammad—would be inducted into its Hall of Honor later this season. Now, a little over 24 hours later, they revealed the very moment in which the 43-year-old legend was made aware of that little detail:
Pep’s name will be honored in the Carolinas forever. pic.twitter.com/6Mw8RqHJe4
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) July 11, 2023
Peppers was born in Wilson, N.C. on Jan. 18, 1980. He’d go on to establish a legacy in his home state—playing his high school ball at Southern Nash in Bailey and his college ball at the University of North Carolina.
The two-sport star, who was a bit better at football than the b-ball, was then taken by the Panthers with the second overall pick of the 2002 NFL draft. Peppers proceeded to rack up 10 of his 17 pro seasons in Charlotte—where he’d amass a Defensive Rookie of the Year award, four All-Pro nods and five Pro Bowl selections.
His induction into the Hall of Honor will take place at halftime of the Panthers’ Week 8 contest against the Houston Texans on Oct. 29.
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