The North Carolina Museum of History announces the unveiling of Julius Peppers’ 2003 National Football Conference (NFC) Championship ring. It will be displayed in the museum’s lobby starting Tuesday, April 23. The display offers an unparalleled opportunity for fans and enthusiasts to witness this piece of sports history.
Peppers was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2021. In his acceptance speech, Peppers shared his excitement of being inducted. “When I think about my sports career in the state, it’s not so much that I think about what I did; it’s about the people who were around me, who guided me, who inspired me and who supported me … it’s about the people in the moments that shaped what became.”
Peppers captivated fans with his athleticism and skill on the football field. The unveiling of the display case highlights Peppers’ legacy and impact on the sport.
One of the most celebrated players in pro football history, Peppers was the second overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in the 2002 NFL Draft. He finished his 17-year career with 719 tackles, including 159.5 sacks – the fourth best in NFL history. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he led the nation in sacks with 15 in 2000 and was a unanimous All-American in 2001. He also won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player and the Lombardi Award as the best collegiate lineman. Peppers was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this February.
For more about the museum, click the links above or visit ncmuseumofhistory.org.