Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Julius Peppers announced his retirement.
Peppers was the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and went on to become a nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, all the while missing just six games over 17 seasons for the Panthers, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers. The 39-year-old has the 4th most sacks in the history of the league and should have no problem being a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer.
Peppers' 159.5 sacks rank behind only Bruce Smith, Reggie White, and Kevin Greene.