Julius Peppers

Linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, Sports Speaker Julius Peppers was drafted by the Carolina Panthers 2^nd overall in the 2002 NFL Draft after attending University of North Carolina.

As a member of the UNC Tar Heels, Julius won the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Lombardi Award for best collegiate lineman in 2001. He is ranked second all-time in UNC history with 30.5 sacks. While attending UNC, he was also a walk-on men’s basketball player. A main reason for him to attend UNC over Duke was because football coach Carl Torbush allowed him to play football and basketball.

Julius was selected second behind first overall pick, David Carr and made a immediate impact on the Carolina Panthers. He is known as one of the most athletic and versatile players in the NFL, being nicknamed “The Freak of Nature.” In 2010 the Chicago Bears signed him to a six year contract for $91.5 million. Julius finished the season with 43 tackles, 8 sacks and 2 interceptions. The 2014 season began with the Green Bay Packers signing Julius to a three-year contract. Julius wanted to sign with the Packers because he wanted to run a versatile defense and the Packers run a versatile 3-4 defense and he also thought they had a chance at winning a Super Bowl. Although the Packers did not win the 2014 Super Bowl, Julius still thinks he can help them compete in future seasons.

As a philanthropist, Julius Peppers donated a $500,000 scholarship program who supports black students at his alma mater, North Carolina. Julius is available for sports clinics, speaking engagements, and endorsements.