The Carolina Panthers announced that their star defensive player Julius Peppers has called it quits after 17 seasons, playing for the Panthers, Chicago Bears, and the Green Bay Packers. The Charlotte Observer says many fans believe that his mark on the game has been ignored. Julius Peppers got his start in 2002 when the Panthers drafted him. The Panthers hoped he would help strengthen Panthers who ended up winning only one game in 2001.

Prior to his college football days, he played basketball at the University of North Carolina. Panthers power was shown from day one.

However, he ended up only playing twelve games during his first season, after being suspended for four games over violating the league's substance-abuse policy. He ended up recording 35 tackles, 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception. He was also named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year his first season.

Julius Peppers was one of the most athletic defensive players during his 17 seasons

Julius Peppers spent his 17 seasons on four different teams and now he is waving goodbye. He has been one of the best defensive players during his career. He has played both as a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-4 outside linebacker. During his 17 seasons, he only ended up missing six regular-season games.

During his lengthy career as a defensive player, he recorded 159.5 sacks, 52 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries, and 11 interceptions.

Peppers ended up back on the Carolina Panthers in 2017 and ending the last two seasons with 16 sacks. Peppers finished his season being named to nine Pro Bowls and was named to All-Pro honors three times.

Julius Peppers has not received much attention for the success he has had

While he had a lengthy and impacted the game over his 17 seasons, his influence seems to be ignored by many people.

Some believe it's because he did not lead the league in sacks at any time in his career. The league ended up naming him the Defensive Player of the Year once in his career. He played for multiple teams that reached the playoffs but never became a Super Bowl winner.

Julius Peppers is definitely a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame, and will probably be a first-ballot entry, as part of the Hall of Fame Class in 2024.

During a video praising Peppers seen on Packers.com, Aaron Rodgers called him a friend and said he was sad that he couldn't get Peppers a Super Bowl ring. Football fans will never forget how much a threat Julius Peppers was to offensive lines across the league.
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