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 . . .
"Remember you're first ballot. Not everybody is first ballot."
Bruce Smith surprised Pep with a knock on the door. pic.twitter.com/kBziXdMOUT
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 12, 2024
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.
