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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Anthony Rizzuti

Watch the moment Julius Peppers learns he’s a Pro Football Hall of Famer

Not every Pro Football Hall of Famer is a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. But that shouldn’t have been much of a worry for Julius Peppers, who made a career out of being different.

And now, that career is Canton-bound, as the Carolina Panthers great was named as part of the 2024 class last Thursday night. Before that, however, Pep had to get the news himself—which came courtesy of a knock from a fellow legendary pass rusher . . .

Considering he probably knows a thing or two about taking down quarterbacks and taking up space in the Hall of Fame, Smith was a pretty appropriate choice to welcome in Peppers. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year, eight-time first-team All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowler finished his illustrious 19-year career with 200.0 sacks—the most in NFL history.

Not too far behind sits Peppers, who wrapped up his run with 159.5 sacks—the fourth-most of all-time.

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