CBS Sports predicts Julius Peppers gets into Hall of Fame in 2024
When UNC football fans think of the greatest defensive players to come through Chapel Hill besides Lawrence Taylor, Julius Peppers is toward the top of the list.
Peppers tallied a nation-leading 15 sacks in 2000 for the Tar Heels. He earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2000 and 2001 and earned a spot on The Sporting News’ Freshman All-America first team. He helped UNC win the 2001 Peach Bowl over Auburn,
Peppers’ solid college career caught the eye of several NFL teams. He was selected second overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2002 NFL draft, then won Defensive Rookie of The Year that same season.
He enjoyed a professional career with 719 tackles, 159.9 sacks, 82 deflected passes, 52 forced fumbles, 11 interceptions and six touchdowns. Peppers earned three first-team All-Pro and nine Pro Bowl selections. More recently, Peppers was inducted into the Panthers’ Hall of Honor.
Fast-forward to August, where Peppers is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. CBS Sports is predicting he will be inducted in the 2024 class.
Other big names projected to join Peppers are Antonio Gates, one of the best tight ends to ever play the game, and longtime Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry. Other possibilities are Haloti Ngata, Jamaal Charles, Brandon Marshall and longtime Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson.
Nothing is set in stone, but it’s pretty difficult not to see Peppers in the Hall of Fame someday.
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