LAS VEGAS — Plenty of people have been telling Julius Peppers for plenty of years that he would inevitably be in the Hall of Fame.
He never believed it. For some reason.
But then, when he was checking into his hotel on Wednesday, he looked ahead of him at the front desk and saw Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders with his luggage, waiting to check in the same way he was.
That's when it dawned on Peppers that they weren't just two guys waiting at a hotel; they were now part of an exclusive club of 378 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"I saw Barry Sanders last night, but I didn't get a chance to speak to him," Peppers said, grinning and looking a little star-struck at the memory. "Just me already knowing that I was going to be in the Hall of Fame with Barry Sanders. I'm looking at him in the hotel right before I checked into my room. He was right in front of us. I'm like, that's Barry Sanders right now.
"I'm in the Hall of Fame with Barry Sanders, guys. What is this? That's amazing."
The smile on his face said it all, as Peppers, famously a man of few words when he played, took it all in.
He just shook his head when Hall of Fame safety Steve Atwater walked by in his gold jacket (Peppers won't get his until August) and said, "Congratulations again, man, see you soon."
That was a thing that just happened. One of the hardest hitters the league has ever known just pointed at Peppers, gave him the nod, and acknowledged him as a peer.
It didn't seem real to him.
He sat uneasily during a press conference for the entire class, checking his constantly buzzing phone for texts of congratulations. He didn't look perfectly at ease in the moment, such that a man his size can get comfortable in a spare metal stool. So as the television screen nearby showed the memorial montage to the sounds of Boyz II Men, he swayed nervously, waiting for someone to call on him.
When they did, he talked about what it meant, how even when he was in Canton two years ago to see Sam Mills enshrined, he never assumed this day would come for him.
"I was hopeful that it might happen one day, but, you know, I don't like to make assumptions or have any expectations of all the things I don't control," Peppers said from the podium. "So, it was nice to be there to get us that moment for Sam. And, you know, I was grateful to be there for them."
Thursday night, his moment came. As quickly as you'd expect, even if he didn't.
"I mean, yeah," Peppers said, shaking his head as he processed it all.
His smile grew even wider when he recalled being in the wings at NFL Honors, as former teammate Christian McCaffrey won the offensive player of the year award just before the Hall of Fame class was introduced.
"I was on the lift watching Christian take his award," he said, recalling the feeling. "So, yeah, it was great, man. This is unbelievable."
He kept saying that.
But it should be very believable.
Peppers didn't become the 90th first-ballot Hall of Famer by accident. The honor came to him by virtue of his play, by being fourth on the all-time sack list, by being a two-time All-Decade pick, among so many other accolades.
And because of that overwhelming body of work, this came quickly for him, quicker than he expected, and he admitted it was still sinking in.
"It hasn't set in yet," he admitted. "Like I said, I'm not sure when it will, but, no, I don't consider myself in the same class as these guys. If I'm being really honest with you. I mean, when you step back, and I guess when you look at it from the numbers and from that point of view, I guess I do. But, you know, most of the time, you don't. At least me, I don't view myself like that.
"A lot of . . . all the people around me see me in a certain way, but you never actually really see yourself like that. So, that's just where I'm at with it."
That humility and his natural reluctance to seek the spotlight made these last few days difficult ones for Peppers.
"Honestly, it's been a little bit stressful," Peppers said. "From trying to keep a secret to getting everything organized, all the logistics of getting everybody tickets to come here and doing all of this stuff. But, you know, it's been worth it, it's been worth it. It's really been worth it. I was a little tired today. But it's one of those things where you deal with it, and you get it done, and it's over with now.
"But you know, I'm honored, man. It's humbling. I'm honored to be here and to be a part of something like this."
Somebody should tell Peppers in the next few days that something like this is now part of him, that he's now part of it.
And most importantly, that he belongs.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Julius Peppers strip-sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.
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.
Julius Peppers sacks Josh McCown in a game at the New York Jets in 2017.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Julius Peppers leaves the field for the last time against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.
