Panthers No. 90: 3 reasons Julius Peppers is a first-ballot Hall of Famer

1. Leadership

Being a premier player with incredible production is one thing. But Julius Peppers also evolved into a prominent locker room leader with the Carolina Panthers in double-quick time.

Coming in as such a high-end draft pick brings its own set of lofty expectations. Not only did Peppers reach these targets and more. He also took on the leadership mantle with aplomb.

This only increased his overall influence on the roster. And it saw the player become one of the greatest to ever do it.

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Peppers is one of only two players that were selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team in the 2000s and 2010s. Only quarterback Tom Brady can boast such an honor, which is another strong indicator of the respect the pass-rusher was held throughout his esteemed career.

It’s easy for veteran players to focus on their own games and not emerge as some sort of leadership presence. Peppers did not hold this sort of attitude. And he played a significant role in the development of talented prospects once he gained enough experience to do so.

One suspects that plenty of players across the league have plenty to thank Peppers for. He was a role model who backed up his talk with a winning mentality on the field that brought considerable results.

He is without doubt one of the greatest ever Panthers’ players. And Peppers can also be considered among the NFL’s best at the position throughout history.

The player is a sure-fire Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in the future. And it should come at the first time of asking.