Former Panthers, Bears Defensive End Julius Peppers Retires After 17 Seasons

Peppers was named an first-team All-Pro in 2004, 2006 and 2010.

Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers announced his retirement after 17 seasons on Friday morning. Peppers penned his announcement on The Players' Tribune.

“Seventeen years is a long time to be playing this game. It’s two careers for a lot of people,”  Peppers wrote. “I’m thankful that I have been able to play so long and still be healthy. I’m not all banged up and beaten down. I still feel good. 

“But as much as I would love to play forever, I know that I can’t. It’s gotta end at some point. That point is now. Today, I’m retiring.”

Peppers spent 10 of his 17 seasons with the Panthers after being drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in 2002. He played four seasons with the Bears from 2010 to ’13 and three seasons with the Packers from 2014 to ’16. Peppers rejoined his hometown team in Carolina to finish his career in 2017. 

The North Carolina product retires with 159.5 career sacks, fourth all-time behind Kevin Greene, Reggie White and Bruce Smith. Peppers is second on the all-time list in forced fumbles with 52, trailing only former Colts edge rusher Robert Mathis. 

Peppers reached nine Pro Bowls and was named first-team All-Pro three times. He was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002.