![]() Peppers would end up signing with the Bears’ NFC North rivals in the Green Bay Packers shortly after his departure from Chicago. (Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports) Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers (56) stretches prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The run would end in 2014 following his release from the team. In his four years with the Bears, Peppers would record 37.5 sacks, 47 tackles for loss, and 10 forced fumbles. Even so, the Packers were able to pull out a narrow 17-14 victory to head to Super Bowl XLV. After a Divisional win over the Seattle Seahawks, Peppers and the Bears defense hurried Aaron Rodgers into two interceptions and no touchdowns in the NFC Championship Game. The signing would help elevate the team’s already elite defense, helping post an 11-5 record in the 2010 season. (Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)Īfter hitting free agency following the 2009-10 season, Peppers would ink a six-year contract worth $91.5 million, with $42 million guaranteed with the Chicago Bears. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. The long-time Carolina defensive end would never reach the Super Bowl again throughout his career but would go on to dominate in his opening eight-year tenure with the Panthers, racking up 81 sacks, two All-Pro nominations and five Pro Bowl appearances. Even with the effort, the Panthers would fall just short behind a 32-29 loss. ![]() In the team’s Super Bowl matchup against the New England Patriots, Peppers would try to leave his mark, pressuring Patriots quarterback Tom Brady throughout the game. On the path to the Panthers’ first Super Bowl appearance, Peppers would leave a mark in his first career playoff game, intercepting Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter that he returned for 21 yards. After posting 12 sacks in 12 games, the 6-foot-7, 295-pound lineman would have a less productive season in year two, but would find greater team success as Carolina enjoyed an 11-5 record under head coach John Fox. ![]() The mistake wouldn’t slow down Peppers’ development as he entered his second year in the league. Even with the positive test of the banned dietary supplement, the Panthers defensive end was awarded with the 2002 Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. ![]() With positive momentum gaining on his run for rookie of the year, Peppers would ultimately face a four-game suspension to end the season following a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The immediate effect that Peppers play brought during his rookie campaign would boost the entire defensive unit, as Carolina became the only team in NFL history to improve from last in the league in total defense, to second in one year. The incoming rookie from North Carolina would make an instant impact for his home team with a three – sack performance in a Week 2 matchup against Detroit. Peppers was selected second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers after the Houston Texans decided to go with Fresno State quarterback David Carr with the first overall pick. With a Hall of Fame resume, Peppers is all but awaiting his likely first-ballot candidacy to Canton. After racking up 30.5 sacks throughout his collegiate career, Peppers would go on to dominate NFL offensive tackles totalling 159.5 sacks, 175 tackles for loss, and 52 forced fumbles. The two-sport North Carolina Tar Heels star shined during his time on the football field and basketball court. As top draft selections enter the NFL with the burden of expectations, Peppers career was rare, as the former top-5 pick has only a Super Bowl missing on his resume. ![]()
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