Why Carolina Panthers legend Julius Peppers gave up ‘first love’ for Hall of Fame career

There was a time when Julius Peppers favored dunks over sacks. But the Panthers legend had the self-awareness, even in his early 20s, to know a budding basketball career wasn’t worth stunting the potential of an extraordinary football journey.

The former two-sport athlete at the University of the North Carolina chose wisely. Peppers was further validated for his decision to give up hoops for the gridiron last week when he was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during Super Bowl weekend.

“It’s been well-documented that basketball was my first love,” Peppers, 44, said Wednesday during video interview with media. “It was one of those things where I had to give it up for my best interest. Because I knew that, you know, ‘Yeah, that’s your dream to play in the NBA, and you probably could do it if you wanted to, but it’s probably not the best move for you.’ I was having those thoughts before I went into the (NFL) draft.

“And I think I could have played (in the NBA) and had a solid career, but it wouldn’t have been all-star, hall of fame-type level. So, I think when I think back on it, it definitely was the right choice to give (basketball) up and go the football route.”

Peppers, who was born in Wilson, raised in Bailey and starred at Southern Nash High School, played two seasons with the Tar Heels’ basketball squad after walking on in 1999. While his first football coach, Carl Torbush, allowed Peppers to work the hardwood during basketball season, the all-year grind was never-ending for the pass rusher.

Peppers appeared in 56 college basketball games and was part of the Tar Heels team that made the Final Four in 2000. He averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game during his college career, while coming off the bench at 6-foot-7 and 290 pounds.

During his final season in Chapel Hill, though, he decided to drop basketball in favor of his electric opportunities in football.

Peppers was selected second overall by Carolina in the 2002 NFL Draft.

Despite initial concerns about his ability and work ethic as a prospect, and the calls for the Panthers to draft quarterback Joey Harrington — who was selected by Detroit with the very next pick— Peppers immediately paid off Carolina’s gamble with 12 sacks during his rookie season.

While he left basketball behind, the skills he developed on the court helped him sharpen his game on the field.

“The footwork and agility type of things you need to use on the court, I feel like translated to the football field and my style of play,” Peppers said. “So, I think that was an advantage that I had at the time. Being shifty on the field, that came from basketball, and body control and stuff like that.”

Peppers said he also benefited from the environment around him during his early days with the Panthers.

Peppers credits the likes of former head coach John Fox, defensive back Mike Minter, wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, defensive end Mike Rucker and others for teaching him how to be a pro.

“We had a bunch of guys that had already been in the league, that knew how to do it, that you could just learn from and watch,” Peppers said. “Now, I feel like that’s a part of the game that’s missing. And, you know, it comes from the (collective bargaining agreement), and all the contracts, and stuff like that, where they’ve phased out that kind of guy. But I think some of these teams could benefit from it.”

Peppers took the lessons he learned from coaches and veterans and went on to have a first-ballot Hall of Fame career, producing 159.5 sacks, 11 interceptions and 52 forced fumbles.

He was chosen for nine Pro Bowl appearances and voted a first-team All-Pro three times.

As he prepares to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, this summer, Peppers looks back on his time with the Panthers — 10 seasons spread across two stints — with gratitude and appreciation. While he wanted to be the first overall pick in his draft class — just like his decision give up basketball — the Houston Texans selecting quarterback David Carr turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Peppers and the Panthers.

Said Peppers: “It worked out that I was able to come here, and I’m glad that Houston did what they did.”