Feature image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Julius Peppers gets one step closer to the honor of a lifetime

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Kayanja | Last updated 12/28/23

Former Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers was named as one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Wednesday night.

This is his first year of eligibility for the award, and he has a great chance of finding his way into the halls of Canton.

He finished his career with 159.5 sacks, fourth on the all-time list behind only Bruce Smith, Reggie White, and Kevin Greene.

Peppers is the only player in NFL history with at least 100 sacks and 11 interceptions.

He played a pivotal role in the Panthers' success during the 2000s, and for it, Peppers was voted to nine Pro Bowls during his career.

Peppers also has six All-Pro selections.

One of the 100 Greatest @ChicagoBears of all-time and the @Panthers Ring of Honor.

Julius Peppers is a Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024. pic.twitter.com/6lFDp9Ve9g
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) December 28, 2023

Former Panthers receiver Steve Smith Sr. was in the running for Hall of Fame finalist, but he was cut from the list ahead of the 15 names selected.

It marks the third time Smith has failed to make it to the finalist list.

Five modern players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. The voting will take place in January and the names will be announced during Super Bowl week.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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