In the 2002 season opener, the Carolina Panthers were leading the Baltimore Ravens 10-7 with only 1:27 left on the clock when Julius Peppers, a rookie defensive end, intercepted a pass and passed it to linebacker Dan Morgan, ending a 15-game losing streak for the Panthers. This was a significant moment for Peppers, who had been criticized for being the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. This event marked the beginning of his 17-year NFL career, which culminated in his induction into the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. The Panthers finished the season with a 7-9 record, and Peppers was one of the key players who helped them reach Super Bowl XXXVIII the following year. The current Panthers team, led by General Manager Dan Morgan, is looking for players with the same “dawg mentality” that Peppers had. Peppers sees this mentality in Brian Burns, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, and hopes the Panthers will keep him on the team. Peppers is the first player drafted by the Panthers to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
After eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Peppers left when the team decided not to use the franchise tag on him for the second year in a row. He hopes the same fate doesn’t befall Burns, the No. 16 pick of the 2019 draft, whom Peppers believes has all the talent to succeed. Despite his departure, Peppers eventually returned to Carolina for his final two seasons, finishing his career with 159.5 sacks, the fourth most in NFL history. Peppers was recently informed of his induction into the Hall of Fame by Bruce Smith, who praised his athletic prowess and basketball skills. Peppers believes Morgan, the new defensive coordinator, is the right person to turn things around for the Panthers, noting his leadership and communication skills. Peppers was a controversial draft choice in 2002, but his success on the field proved critics wrong.
Fox said he has been fortunate to coach some Hall of Famers, but he believes that Peppers is the best. Peppers also considers Fox to be one of the people he may choose to present him for the August HOF induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio. Peppers learned a lot from Fox and his staff, and he was grateful to have great leaders and mentors when he was a rookie. Although he was quiet at first, Peppers was determined to prove himself as one of the best players in the league. Despite doubts and skepticism about his abilities, Peppers remained focused on his goals and saw his time with the Panthers as an opportunity to build something special. He believes that the current team needs players who are willing to work hard and put in the effort to turn things around.
