Peppers is 1 of 25 semifinalists for the 2024 hall of fame class and just 1 of 2 players who earned semifinalist status in their first year of eligibility.
On Tuesday, the Pro Football Hall of Fame named 25 modern-era players as semifinalists for the 2024 class. This list has been worked down from 173 nominees that initially received consideration.
Two players, Julius Peppers and Jahri Evans, have ties to the Green Bay Packers. After originally playing for the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears, Peppers signed with the Packers and played 48 games over three years, recording 25 sacks from 2014-2016. Evans is best known for his 11 seasons as a New Orleans Saint, but he did play his final season (2017) in Green Bay, where he started 14 games for the Packers at right guard.
Only two players made this cut to 25 modern-era players in their first year of eligibility: Peppers and tight end Antonio Gates. Most of the semifinalists have previously been semifinalists, with Peppers, Gates and running back Tiki Barber being the exceptions.
Below is the full list of semifinalists:
- CB Eric Allen
- DE Jared Allen
- T Willie Anderson
- RB Tiki Barber
- WR Anquan Boldin
- G Jahri Evans
- LB London Fletcher
- DE Dwight Freeney
- TE Antonio Gates
- RB Eddie George
- LB James Harrison
- S Rodney Harrison
- PR/KR/WR Devin Hester
- WR Torry Holt
- WR Andre Johnson
- DE/LB Robert Mathis
- DE Julius Peppers
- WR Steve Smith Sr.
- RB Fred Taylor
- WR Hines Ward
- RB Ricky Watters
- WR Reggie Wayne
- DT Vince Wilfork
- LB Patrick Willis
- S Darren Woodson
This list of 25 players will be cut down to 15 then 10 then 5 modern-era finalists. From there, the five finalists must receive 80 percent “yes” votes in a yes/no format to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
I would guess that Peppers, who ranks fourth all-time in career sacks and was a member of both the 2000’s and 2010’s All-Decade Team, will have a pretty good chance of making that final cut. If you’re looking to travel to Canton, Ohio for his potential enshrinement, the “anticipated date” of Enshrinement Week is August 3rd.