CHARLOTTE — When you're as good at football as Julius Peppers was, people expect you to lead.
But if you're an introvert, or if you're young, or if you're surrounded by older players who are fine with all the attention, it's easier to fade into the background.
His talents never allowed that on the field, because Julius Peppers was easy to spot. His emergence as a leader, on the other hand, took time to develop.
Even the players he was closest to knew that they weren't going to hear much from him, but if he ever said anything, it probably mattered.
"The ultimate silent assassin," former running back and one of his closest friends during his time here, DeShaun Foster, said. "Pep didn't have much to say, but you knew he was always locked in, and he was going to show up on game day. It just happens with maturity; you just start leading differently.
"You can be a little bit more vocal once you put what you want to put on the field. Once he showed everybody the type of player he was, it was easy to lead and then you could be a little bit more vocal because you know guys are going to follow you."
![Julius Peppers, DeShaun Foster](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/dwglgqdkuliij6vs9bdh.jpg)
The accomplishments were easy to see, so he was easy to follow.
Once he was ready to allow it.
Getting to know Peppers was a process, even for the players who were alongside him for years at a time.
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was one of those guys, and he said he had what he considered a good relationship with Peppers. But he also can't recall many conversations outside of the locker room or practice field or game days.
"I'm not sure if we ever talked on the phone," Morgan said with a laugh. "I can't remember one time."
But at work, that didn't matter because the level of the work was so high. Being part of a defense with multiple Pro Bowlers and veterans such as Mike Rucker, Brenston Buckner, and Mike Minter allowed guys to ease into roles they'd take on later in their careers.
![Dan Morgan, Julius Peppers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rtjlemmco2j3lvsp3xvy.jpg)
"I think that's why we were good: We were all in; we didn't need to talk," Morgan said. "Everybody led by example, like we would all run to the ball every practice. We were all finishing. There was no doubt in anybody's mind that people weren't going to finish the play.
"So I think the standards were set really high, to where like we didn't need to talk a lot. We all had respect for each other. We don't want to let each other down."
That part was definitely true, as the Panthers turned around the league's worst defense in 2001 to one of the best, fueling a Super Bowl run in 2003. And Peppers was a huge part of that.
But drawing Peppers out of his shell took time, and some getting used to.
Wide receiver Steve Smith found that out quickly. The chirpy little wide receiver stood next to Peppers in team pictures for years by virtue of being numbers 89 and 90, but Smith realized that it took much more than that to get close to Peppers.
"Pep is one of those guys, if you have a hard time with an awkward silence, he will test you unintentionally," Smith said. "My man can say nothing and be cool. Some people just can't handle silence, man. Pep will put you there.
"I mean, we stood next to each other for all those years, and I would talk or say something, but he just laughed or would not respond. That was his response."
![Steve Smith, Julius Peppers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/bzsw2mx8ac5m3yhpnf59.jpg)
Not everyone is wired that way. Many of his former teammates, including amateur comedians like Jordan Gross and Ryan Kalil, didn't know how to take it at first.
"I don't think he's like a boring person or not cerebral or anything like that, it's just that he held so true to that quiet nature," Gross said. "Guys like me can't understand that. Me and Kalil at a Wofford lunchroom table is heaven to me, just a bunch of people to flick stuff to and have fun and eat food. That's as good as it gets and that's terrifying to guys like him.
"There's nothing wrong with how he is, but he was like a mysterious little superhero that nobody really kind of knew. Hey, there he is. Is he going to sit down and talk to us today? And it's not an arrogance. It's just that he's such a private person and a quiet guy; it just made for a heck of a weird marriage with his ability on the field and who he was off of it."
![Julius Peppers, Jordan Gross](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/himvfdndigyftczghodm.jpg)
At the same time, those who were around Peppers early in his career knew that he might avoid a casual interaction, but wasn't afraid of a deeper one. Dan Henning, who was the offensive coordinator when Peppers was a rookie, was one of the best-read coaches in the league. And the respect he had for Peppers' curiosity was immediate.
"You would never know that about Julius because he would never tell you that," Henning said. "But you found out after you had conversations with him. He could converse on a number of different areas and make you enjoy a 30-minute conversation. I can tell you that."
Thirty-minute conversations aren't hard for Henning. Peppers, less so.
He guarded his privacy fiercely. When he left the Panthers in 2010 for Chicago, there was an element of getting away from the fishbowl he had lived his life in to that point — a North Carolina kid who grew up in Bailey, grew into a two-sport star in Chapel Hill, and became an NFL legend in Charlotte.
But there were times when he would speak, and those became meaningful.
Former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme said he got used to not hearing from Peppers for long stretches of time. And he admitted surprise when he woke up to an unexpected text from his former teammate when he was about to make a start for the Browns in 2010.
"We were in Tampa, and I had a text; I was already sleeping, and it was a text from Julius, and it was like, 'Hey, I'm just telling you, I'm pulling so much for you tomorrow. I loved playing with you. You should never have left, go kick ass.' That floored me, but that was Julius. When you thought someone was just so quiet, or you didn't know what he was thinking, he was thinking and processing all the time, right?"
He just wasn't always expressing those thoughts in public.
![Mike Rucker, Julius Peppers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/f3zcri1jukz7nsvohong.jpg)
Players and coaches recalled the awkwardness when Rucker retired and owner Jerry Richardson challenged Peppers to take on his leadership role at the press conference, something Peppers wasn't expecting and didn't appear thrilled with.
But they also remember those little moments, like the text Delhomme got, where Peppers could get your attention.
Rucker admitted being surprised at times when he sees his former teammate chime in on social media, laughing and saying it was like the days at a time he'd go without hearing from the guy at the locker next to his.
"I think he'll continue to embrace this leadership role," Rucker said. "I think we've seen certain issues, right? Panthers issues, social issues every now and then, you'll see a tweet that you would never have seen before out of Julius, right? He takes a stance on certain things. You would have never have seen that out of Julius then.
"And I think as he starts to figure out what the next chapter is for him, I think we'll see more of that leadership type of insertion out of Julius, right? Where he's been a little bit more open."
![Muhsin Muhammad, Julius Peppers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rexvxb6cm6t6hxboig9t.jpg)
Wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad told Peppers as much, having been around Peppers in the context of teammates at first, then Hall of Honor classmates, giving them a chance to see the arc of a personality develop. Muhammad was a husband and father with a young family in the early 2000s and joked that he wasn't going out with Peppers and former Bobcats co-owner Nelly during those early years (Peppers was featured in the "Hot in Here" video because of course he was).
"I told him, I said, 'Man, I'm proud of how you've grown in that way,'" Muhammad said. "Because the other stuff is easy for him. This stuff is a challenge for you because he just wasn't a part of who you were when you were around there for those first three years.
"I knew what I saw in the locker room when I came to work. I knew what he was as a teammate. I knew him well enough to know what kind of character he brought to the team every day."
But then, Peppers was still processing what it meant to be a star, and what it meant to lead.
It came easier as he aged. That was far more evident during his second stint with the Panthers when he came back with flecks of gray in his beard — earned wisdom that he was more willing to share.
![Cam Newton, Julius Peppers, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Ryan Kalil, Greg Olsen](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rtpordqu8aqta13qyerp.jpg)
Linebacker Luke Kuechly was an established star in his own right by that point, but he remembers with something approaching giddiness his first real conversations with Peppers.
His teammate Thomas Davis had told him that Peppers was considering coming back to his original team well before it happened, and Kuechly wasn't quite sure how to talk to a living legend.
"I FaceTimed him with TD a few times, and then when he came in the locker room the first time, it's like, it's like when you meet Steve," Kuechly said. "When I was growing up, that's when he had the triple crown (in 2005), so when I met Steve, I was like, wait, whoa. And Pep was like that same kind of way where it was just his size and his presence.
"But the first thing you always see with Pep is that smile, that big Pep smile and it puts you at ease. But Pep was different because his size and presence was just so much different than anybody that I ever played with. He played football the right way. He's always treated people the right way. He treats young guys awesome. I just think people have a ton of respect for how he played the game. He is just such a unique player but also a great person, right?"
![Julius Peppers, Luke Kuechly](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/m1512fmgloldvn2jlge8.jpg)
No one disputes that part. But they also know that sticking a camera in his face or asking him to speak wasn't something he felt comfortable with.
When he was playing here the first time through, sometimes he was forced to talk since former head coach John Fox would have players address the team at the end of the week. You never knew what you were going to get.
But when it was Peppers' turn, there was a notable anticipation.
"When he would talk though, you're almost building it up," Gross said with a laugh. "Like it was going be like Gandalf the Gray was going to deliver some amazing, 'oh-my-god-I've-never-heard-such-words' kind of speech. He's finally spoken. It's not Moses. It's just a quiet guy with some good perspective.
"I don't remember ever seeing him have like an emotional delivery or anything. I don't think he was Hall of Fame in speech giving. I wasn't expecting Gandalf the Gray and you get all the wizardry and puffs of wind and the staff would start glowing. None of that was going on.
"It was just Pep. And it was great."
At the same time, there was a weight to his words, which may have been heightened by the economy.
![Julius Peppers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/t_editorial_landscape_mobile/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/uwbx9olgaaecdhuexjnm.jpg)
And that got everyone on the edges of their seats when it was Julius Peppers' turn.
"He's so much more than people thought; he was quiet, he was shy," Delhomme said. "When I tell you, everybody couldn't wait, you couldn't wait for a couple of speeches. One was John Kasay because he's a gifted speaker, and he was just fabulous. But two was Julius because you just wanted to peek a little deeper inside of who he was because he was revered. And it was that we just wanted more. I think we were all dying for more.
"I think we're just wondering, who exactly is he? And then you hear him talk, and you're like, you know what? He's a lot deeper than we thought. He wasn't just a freak athlete who played ball and did other things on the side. He was a whole lot more thoughtful, a lot deeper thinker than you thought. Because you just look at this Greek god, and you just think, yeah, he was made just to play football because he was built like that.
"But he had so much more. He was so much more than just a football player, but we didn't get enough of it there. That's the thing we never got. It's like that little window: the shades were barely ever let up. We just wanted more."
View 90 photos of the legendary defensive end from his time in a Panthers uniform.
![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)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/gqieybydmsrvjqn8p5fr.jpg)
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 during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ericsson Stadium on September 28, 2003.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/j2sxwotmruheh0oxb19x.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ericsson Stadium on September 28, 2003.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2003.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/py65png1sb8h88blj06c.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2003.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Washinton Redskins at Ericsson Stadium on November 15, 2003.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/clyyq37qpumhxcqymsiq.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Washinton Redskins at Ericsson Stadium on November 15, 2003.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ericsson Stadium on December 20, 2003.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/gilmnvnyj8iionennj34.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ericsson Stadium on December 20, 2003.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Tennesee Titans at Ericsson Stadium on October 19, 2003.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/fvom4sskpuesbgwpppo5.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Tennesee Titans at Ericsson Stadium on October 19, 2003.
![Julius Peppers and Jevon Kearse during a game against the Tennesee Titans at Ericsson Stadium on October 19, 2003.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/a3jsijxfu0rh1v3zbqkm.jpg)
Julius Peppers and Jevon Kearse during a game against the Tennesee Titans at Ericsson Stadium on October 19, 2003.
![Julius Peppers sacks Quincy Carter during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2003.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/etdm1bh1nzjbufwtywb4.jpg)
Julius Peppers sacks Quincy Carter during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2003.
![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)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/seib0efyu5xgqcqff53v.jpg)
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 signs autographs when the Panthers returned to Ericsson Stadium after winning the NFC Championship on Jan. 18, 2004.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/q9x6mkbshseb8bmhbe4q.jpg)
Julius Peppers signs autographs when the Panthers returned to Ericsson Stadium after winning the NFC Championship on Jan. 18, 2004.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/xyg4s3ek59luqzboqehw.jpg)
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.
![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)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/dlt2w59bdy5b5unwtesz.jpg)
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 during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/xm3x09m62hihrtnhqmyg.jpg)
Julius Peppers during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
![Julius Peppers alongside Brentson Buckner, Mike Rucker and Al Wallace at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/qlihrazebbjkmyyx950e.jpg)
Julius Peppers alongside Brentson Buckner, Mike Rucker and Al Wallace at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on November 20, 2004.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/wncncmplomx50q5cevj8.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on November 20, 2004.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the St. Louis Rams at Bank of America Stadium on December 11, 2004.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/nnzd2lg08vnize61k3rc.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the St. Louis Rams at Bank of America Stadium on December 11, 2004.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ctzwuewr41gpajnvtcr9.jpg)
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.
![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)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/drzry9r0bb9whlbiszpq.jpg)
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 sacks Drew Bledsoe during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2005.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rjwxqskzf9optmhd5kkd.jpg)
Julius Peppers sacks Drew Bledsoe during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2005.
![Julius Peppers chases Drew Bledsoe during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2005.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/tmktiiibiaz049lhsdun.jpg)
Julius Peppers chases Drew Bledsoe during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2005.
![Julius Peppers embraces head coach John Fox after a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on December 3, 2005.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/xxdqyeejfa0w8fishah1.jpg)
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 during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 16, 2005.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rdxej5mtg8g3id8cxmsz.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 16, 2005.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 5, 2005.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ksfseffmkxfag75jform.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 5, 2005.
![Julius Peppers lines up at wide receiver during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on October 3, 2005.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/py9jx3bxe87vhg6rjntp.jpg)
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 during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 20, 2005.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/kivur58pdcnr5hv65xqx.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 20, 2005.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 19, 2006.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/eitpjfjmjrfu1rxgpzxe.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 19, 2006.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 15, 2006.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/zpyd6jd0gdaupoeuaw2a.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 15, 2006.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on November 12, 2006.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/lgylny3pt0qa6aj4ooea.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on November 12, 2006.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on October 30, 2006.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ydpmmjynsuagle8w1tfl.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on October 30, 2006.
![Julius Peppers pressures Brett Favre during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/tgswj3xpljm7mygnk6rv.jpg)
Julius Peppers pressures Brett Favre during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.
![Julius Peppers and Brett Favre after a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/mumemg9j6ucluwtq9rcc.jpg)
Julius Peppers and Brett Favre after a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Pheonix Stadium on Sunday, October 14, 2007.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/lmogv6vdll8hfttxztan.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Pheonix Stadium on Sunday, October 14, 2007.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/n1xmw8fius9nqblr9en3.jpg)
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.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2007.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/gey97tquzig9g65hvmal.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2007.
![Julius Peppers celebrates with Chris Gamble during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/hm7gt0x8gewkznusqfls.jpg)
Julius Peppers celebrates with Chris Gamble during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.
![Julius Peppers tackles LaDainian Tomlinson during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/adlmybuyrrmx95g9nkht.jpg)
Julius Peppers tackles LaDainian Tomlinson during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.
![Julius Peppers and Jared Allen during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Sunday, September 21, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ymhnwzb0zmrropcuxarg.jpg)
Julius Peppers and Jared Allen during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Sunday, September 21, 2008.
![Julius Peppers pressures Matt Ryan during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/hrdvzxatw8ddazyx7iit.jpg)
Julius Peppers pressures Matt Ryan during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.
![Julius Peppers pressures Kurt Warner during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 26, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/m3jlsntmbquhyq7jppap.jpg)
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 (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)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/tgba6ejb6kas9eqir12v.jpg)
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)
![Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/tl9l7algpv33wgbyzj5s.jpg)
Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/quhuqif33nii9wk6mcrl.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2008.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/axkoufvw6wwnfnjz4jf5.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
![Julius Peppers sacks Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 30, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ususpvn08y9plmzfljin.jpg)
Julius Peppers sacks Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 30, 2008.
![Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/xsaie9mdrvin7ouzmln4.jpg)
Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
![Julius Peppers sacks Drew Brees during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ie8sxdpa3ejqpdkmu5kd.jpg)
Julius Peppers sacks Drew Brees during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2009.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ujrt6j2e6vn1d855375r.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2009.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ilgb8bdb7l6ocz03rpiq.jpg)
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.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2009.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/dvp1vdn8wzhmqcijhuxy.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2009.
![Julius Peppers and Ryan Kalil during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2009.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rsxxtcqfnjkrjeysu53e.jpg)
Julius Peppers and Ryan Kalil during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2009.
![Julius Peppers prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 25, 2009.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/q647unpvdm2gkswmm14m.jpg)
Julius Peppers prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 25, 2009.
![Julius Peppers sacks Eli Manning during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on Sunday, December 27, 2009.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/lpoqovmbxtwfxuntr0aq.jpg)
Julius Peppers sacks Eli Manning during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on Sunday, December 27, 2009.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on Sunday, December 27, 2009.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/v1549027193/panthers/duv26tejd9z2m4ultuqy.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on Sunday, December 27, 2009.
![Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, January 3, 2010.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ehxg1ttlyimv3jukhkiu.jpg)
Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, January 3, 2010.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/fqvkrmfifqzetao7xv4y.jpg)
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.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/sthsefuclni66bsm6sfa.jpg)
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.
![Julius Peppers runs out of the tunnel during his first game back at Bank of America Stadium in Week 2 against Buffalo in 2017.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/glav57vp1738jndpceuw.jpg)
Julius Peppers runs out of the tunnel during his first game back at Bank of America Stadium in Week 2 against Buffalo in 2017.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/xgnpd9zxrgiecn0o5joh.jpg)
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.
![2018CARvsGBm_26](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/yyc8ubr54g2oyjl9zhsk.jpg)
![Julius Peppers strip-sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/xqopu2j63bcl6rwxvy58.jpg)
Julius Peppers strip-sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.
![CARvsTAM1310](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ma8evypiwj44bwqawuig.jpg)
![Julius Peppers embraces teammate Thomas Davis at a game in Tampa Bay in 2017.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/pvc57gcn8tgqhiipkme1.jpg)
Julius Peppers embraces teammate Thomas Davis at a game in Tampa Bay in 2017.
![Julius Peppers sacks Tom Brady in a game at New England in 2017.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/eh0wnhx5cqkimogd3eo1.jpg)
Julius Peppers sacks Tom Brady in a game at New England in 2017.
![Julius Peppers sacks Josh McCown in a game at the New York Jets in 2017.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/szkwoza3tvv0wbjxs4lv.jpg)
Julius Peppers sacks Josh McCown in a game at the New York Jets in 2017.
![Julius Peppers](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/lk1rlmoelzuq5p2t6ktj.jpg)
![Julius Peppers and teammate Luke Kuechly.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/cryeuwnwdetuwptvtv7z.jpg)
Julius Peppers and teammate Luke Kuechly.
![Julius Peppers bangs the Keep Pounding Drum before a game against Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/yilysvrd9ithxrhw9jjj.jpg)
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 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)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/jmvstjl2czcjnbjezlxe.jpg)
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)
![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)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/imjec6sekn5dpyytrruh.jpg)
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)
![20171224CARvsTB_140](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/sqaf5lsjbsspfqigj1iw.jpg)
![20171231_CAR_ATL-419](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/sn07nctmbomzjnadyzqj.jpg)
![Julius Peppers waves to the crowd against Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 9, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/bc3x00d8efyugjscczoq.jpg)
Julius Peppers waves to the crowd against Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 9, 2018.
![Julius Peppers tackles Saquon Barkley during the game against the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/hn0gvy7bmz15sifv0epq.jpg)
Julius Peppers tackles Saquon Barkley during the game against the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
![Julius Peppers walks off the field during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ivzx2q0e5dy6llkzgbm7.jpg)
Julius Peppers walks off the field during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
![Julius Peppers strip-sacks Alex Smith in a game against Washington in 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/cuwctphjiigj7pbzay1v.jpg)
Julius Peppers strip-sacks Alex Smith in a game against Washington in 2018.
![Cam Newton hugs Julius Peppers during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, October 21, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/tf6kaenh7vsc0yc9cewr.jpg)
Cam Newton hugs Julius Peppers during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, October 21, 2018.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/x4s1y9xwfcsmby86l0jc.jpg)
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 pressures Joe Flacco during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rcbvxecli8jvdgl6rpz8.jpg)
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 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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ghmrcwmeprzh4y4sbibp.jpg)
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.
![Julius Peppers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/yidqmgyrvl8zb5wrdjmx.jpg)
Julius Peppers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
![Julius Peppers and Luke Kuechly against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rmi5cmhwkywdfmqk1ouk.jpg)
Julius Peppers and Luke Kuechly against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
![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.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/mqqibiny5qe7sj2dfzub.jpg)
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 in the locker room during pregame against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/fyqyygxua4btvauv5woa.jpg)
Julius Peppers in the locker room during pregame against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
![Julius Peppers walks off the field after a game against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/hayufig8bqkma2jijo3r.jpg)
Julius Peppers walks off the field after a game against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.
![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)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/rthh2nsghp8vogl9iqqj.jpg)
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)
![Julius Peppers was an NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2018. (Photo by Kent Smith)](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/viatzqgzjaahoqdoksa5.jpg)
Julius Peppers was an NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2018. (Photo by Kent Smith)
![Thomas Davis and Julius Peppers talk on the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, December 30, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/wph1cvcneezfrvaqfd8w.jpg)
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 at the game against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/ow2aa4nqfguir40ukdro.jpg)
Julius Peppers at the game against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.
![Julius Peppers during the game against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/yccrhodwhuenoeuykk6h.jpg)
Julius Peppers during the game against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.
![Julius Peppers leaves the field for the last time against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_new_photo_album/t_lazy/f_auto/panthers/eafkp5o6jrtevl8epumh.jpg)
Julius Peppers leaves the field for the last time against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.