Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (2024)

View 90 photos of the legendary defensive end from his time in a Panthers uniform.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (1)

1 / 90

In this April 20, 2002, file photo, Julius Peppers, of North Carolina, holds up a team jersey after being selected by the Carolina Panthers as their first pick, second overall, in the NFL Draft in New York. (AP Photo/Ed Betz, File)

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (2)

2 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ericsson Stadium on September 28, 2003.

Kent Smith

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (3)

3 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2003.

Kent Smith

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (4)

4 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Washinton Redskins at Ericsson Stadium on November 15, 2003.

Kent Smith

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (5)

5 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ericsson Stadium on December 20, 2003.

Kent Smith

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (6)

6 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Tennesee Titans at Ericsson Stadium on October 19, 2003.

Kent Smith

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (7)

7 / 90

Julius Peppers and Jevon Kearse during a game against the Tennesee Titans at Ericsson Stadium on October 19, 2003.

Kent Smith

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (8)

8 / 90

Julius Peppers sacks Quincy Carter during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2003.

Kent Smith

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (9)

9 / 90

Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, center, congratulates defensive end Julius Peppers (90) after Peppers' interception in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 29-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (10)

10 / 90

Julius Peppers signs autographs when the Panthers returned to Ericsson Stadium after winning the NFC Championship on Jan. 18, 2004.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (11)

11 / 90

Julius Peppers alongside defensive line teammates (l-r Shane Burton, Mike Rucker, Julius Peppers, Brentson Buckner, Kris Jenkins, Al Wallace) during a practice leading up to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (12)

12 / 90

Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers answers questions during Super Bowl XXXVIII media day, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (13)

13 / 90

Julius Peppers during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (14)

14 / 90

Julius Peppers alongside Brentson Buckner, Mike Rucker and Al Wallace at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (15)

15 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on November 20, 2004.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (16)

16 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the St. Louis Rams at Bank of America Stadium on December 11, 2004.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (17)

17 / 90

Julius Peppers returns an interception for a 46-yard touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on November 28, 2004.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (18)

18 / 90

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (7) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 24-6 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (19)

19 / 90

Julius Peppers sacks Drew Bledsoe during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2005.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (20)

20 / 90

Julius Peppers chases Drew Bledsoe during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2005.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (21)

21 / 90

Julius Peppers embraces head coach John Fox after a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on December 3, 2005.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (22)

22 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 16, 2005.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (23)

23 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 5, 2005.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (24)

24 / 90

Julius Peppers lines up at wide receiver during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on October 3, 2005.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (25)

25 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 20, 2005.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (26)

26 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 19, 2006.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (27)

27 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 15, 2006.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (28)

28 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on November 12, 2006.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (29)

29 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on October 30, 2006.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (30)

30 / 90

Julius Peppers pressures Brett Favre during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (31)

31 / 90

Julius Peppers and Brett Favre after a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (32)

32 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Pheonix Stadium on Sunday, October 14, 2007.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (33)

33 / 90

Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, Steve Smith and John Kasay prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Sunday, December 9, 2007.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (34)

34 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2007.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (35)

35 / 90

Julius Peppers celebrates with Chris Gamble during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (36)

36 / 90

Julius Peppers tackles LaDainian Tomlinson during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (37)

37 / 90

Julius Peppers and Jared Allen during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Sunday, September 21, 2008.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (38)

38 / 90

Julius Peppers pressures Matt Ryan during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (39)

39 / 90

Julius Peppers pressures Kurt Warner during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 26, 2008.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (40)

40 / 90

Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) stands over Detroit Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) after sacking him and causing a fumble during the second half of the Panthers' 31-22 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Chuck Burton

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (41)

41 / 90

Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (42)

42 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2008.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (43)

43 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (44)

44 / 90

Julius Peppers sacks Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 30, 2008.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (45)

45 / 90

Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (46)

46 / 90

Julius Peppers sacks Drew Brees during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (47)

47 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2009.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (48)

48 / 90

Julius Peppers returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2009.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (49)

49 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2009.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (50)

50 / 90

Julius Peppers and Ryan Kalil during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2009.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (51)

51 / 90

Julius Peppers prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 25, 2009.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (52)

52 / 90

Julius Peppers sacks Eli Manning during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on Sunday, December 27, 2009.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (53)

53 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on Sunday, December 27, 2009.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (54)

54 / 90

Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, January 3, 2010.

Kent Smith/Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (55)

55 / 90

Julius Peppers and head coach Ron Rivera in Peppers' first game after returning to the Panthers at San Francisco on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (56)

56 / 90

The Carolina Panthers play against the San Francisco 49ers during week one of the regular season on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (57)

57 / 90

Julius Peppers runs out of the tunnel during his first game back at Bank of America Stadium in Week 2 against Buffalo in 2017.

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (58)

58 / 90

Carolina Panther celebrates a sack against the Buffalo Bills in his first game as a Panther back at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (59)

59 / 90

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (60)

60 / 90

Julius Peppers strip-sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (61)

61 / 90

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (62)

62 / 90

Julius Peppers embraces teammate Thomas Davis at a game in Tampa Bay in 2017.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (63)

63 / 90

Julius Peppers sacks Tom Brady in a game at New England in 2017.

Carolina Panthers 2015

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (64)

64 / 90

Julius Peppers sacks Josh McCown in a game at the New York Jets in 2017.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (65)

65 / 90

Carolina Panthers 2015

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (66)

66 / 90

Julius Peppers and teammate Luke Kuechly.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (67)

67 / 90

Julius Peppers bangs the Keep Pounding Drum before a game against Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017.

Carolina Panthers

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (68)

68 / 90

Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez)

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (69)

69 / 90

Julius Peppers sacks Jameis Winston against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez)

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (70)

70 / 90

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/2017 Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (71)

71 / 90

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (72)

72 / 90

Julius Peppers waves to the crowd against Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 9, 2018.

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (73)

73 / 90

Julius Peppers tackles Saquon Barkley during the game against the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (74)

74 / 90

Julius Peppers walks off the field during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (75)

75 / 90

Julius Peppers strip-sacks Alex Smith in a game against Washington in 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (76)

76 / 90

Cam Newton hugs Julius Peppers during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, October 21, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (77)

77 / 90

Julius Peppers in the tunnel before player introductions during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (78)

78 / 90

Julius Peppers pressures Joe Flacco during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (79)

79 / 90

Julius Peppers comforts families of fallen soldiers being recognized during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (80)

80 / 90

Julius Peppers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.

Jason Miczek

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (81)

81 / 90

Julius Peppers and Luke Kuechly against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.

Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (82)

82 / 90

Julius Peppers, Mike Adams, Captain Munnerlyn and Luke Kuechly celebrate a defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (83)

83 / 90

Julius Peppers in the locker room during pregame against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (84)

84 / 90

Julius Peppers walks off the field after a game against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (85)

85 / 90

Julius Peppers is introduced for the last time at Bank of America Stadium prior to a game against Atlanta on Dec. 23, 2018. (Photo by Kent Smith)

Kent Smith

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (86)

86 / 90

Julius Peppers was an NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2018. (Photo by Kent Smith)

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (87)

87 / 90

Thomas Davis and Julius Peppers talk on the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, December 30, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (88)

88 / 90

Julius Peppers at the game against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (89)

89 / 90

Julius Peppers during the game against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot (90)

90 / 90

Julius Peppers leaves the field for the last time against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

FAQs

Julius Peppers named to Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot? ›

Former Green Bay Packers edge rusher Julius Peppers was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot as part of a seven-player induction class in 2024.

Find Out More ›

Is Julius Peppers a first ballot Hall of Famer? ›

Peppers can now add one more accolade to that list: First ballot Hall of Famer. The Carolina Panthers all-time sack leader was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first try in 2024, and it is well deserved. Peppers was drafted by the Panthers in 2002 and made an immediate impact.

View Details ›

Will Julius Peppers make the Hall of Fame? ›

Share All sharing options for: Julius Peppers was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. While several former Carolina Panthers are part of the NFL Hall of Fame, the first one to be drafted by the team, an OG if you will, was finally inducted this weekend.

Discover More Details ›

Did Julius Peppers go in the Hall of Fame as a packer? ›

Gold looks good on Julius Peppers. It did when he played for the Green Bay Packers and it did on Saturday as he sported his gold Hall of Fame jacket during his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Read The Full Story ›

Who was the first African American in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? ›

Emlen Lewis Tunnell (March 29, 1924 – July 23, 1975), nicknamed "the Gremlin", was an American professional football player and coach. He was the first African-American to play for the New York Giants and also the first to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Get More Info ›

Who is eligible for the NFL Hof 2025? ›

Senior player nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Note: Players must have last played at least 25 full seasons ago to be eligible for nomination in this category. Qualifications include five years of service and at least one recognized postseason honor.

Discover More ›

Who is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2024 in the NFL? ›

(Players must have last played at least five full seasons ago to be eligible for nomination. Therefore, any individual who last played in 2018 is eligible for the first time in 2024.)

Discover More ›

Could Julius Peppers have played in the NBA? ›

Julius could have played in the NBA. There's no doubt. He could defend, get in a stance and slide his feet. He had touch.

Learn More Now ›

Why is Joe Carter not in the Hall of Fame? ›

Carter was replaced by the man whom Carter himself replaced, Steve Stone. Carter became eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2004, however, he received 19 votes, representing 3.8% of the vote and was dropped from future ballots. Carter is currently eligible for induction via the Today's Game era committee.

Know More ›

How many years did Julius Peppers play with the Carolina Panthers? ›

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.

Who was the first Black QB in the HoF? ›

Warren Moon, who made seven playoff appearances, was the first black quarterback elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. During his NFL career (1984–2000), he was the first black quarterback on four different teams.