Julius Peppers

The second overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2002 NFL Draft, Julius Peppers became one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era. Playing for three franchises over a 17-year career, Peppers was the single-season sack leader for each at least once (Carolina, seven seasons; Chicago, four; and Green Bay, one).

As a rookie, Peppers earned AP and PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year after averaging a sack per game, totaling 12 on the season. Peppers would register 10-plus sacks in 10 seasons, tied for third most in NFL history at the time of his retirement. 

In his second season, Peppers helped the Panthers win the NFC South Division and three playoff games to reach Super Bowl XXXVIII — a three-point loss to the Patriots. 

Peppers’ first All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections came after the 2004 season, which saw the defensive end record 11 sacks, nine additional tackles for loss, nine passes defensed and a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown. In 2008, he helped the Panthers to a 12-4 record and first place in the NFC South, totaling 14.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. 

In 2010, Peppers signed with the Chicago Bears, earning Pro Bowl honors and leading the team in sacks in all four years with the club. The Bears returned to the NFC Championship Game for only the second time since 1988. 

For his career, Peppers appeared and started in 18 playoff games, recording 49 total tackles, 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. 

He held the Panthers’ team records for sacks (97), forced fumbles (34) and blocked field goals (eight) when he retired. 

A member of both the NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 2000s and 2010s, Peppers’ 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the league’s all-time list.