Top 6 Carolina Panthers in franchise history ranked according to ChatGPT
By Dean Jones
1. Julius Peppers - Former Carolina Panthers DE
Looking at pure dominance, few players in NFL history have been more accomplished in this regard than Julius Peppers. The two-sport athlete in college was a gift from the North Carolina football gods and when David Carr went No. 1 overall to the Houston Texans in the 2002 NFL Draft, the stars aligned.
The Carolina Panthers weren't going to let a home-state hero leave the Carolinas. As it turned out, it was an immensely wise call from those in power at the time.
Peppers was as advertised right out of the gate. His unique blend of size, strength, and explosiveness made stopping him almost impossible - it was more a case of how opposing offensive lines could potentially contain him rather than limit the defensive end's influence entirely.
As is normally the case, money dictated Peppers was forced to leave, spending seven seasons in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. Thankfully, some common ground was reached and the player returned to Carolina for the final two campaigns of his glittering pro career.
There will never be another like Peppers. Many have followed in his footsteps, but very few come close to reaching the very top and staying there for a phenomenal 17-year stretch.
Peppers is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. If the voters had any sense whatsoever, he'll be a first-ballot induction.
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