South Charlotte Today

CANTON, Ohio — The concept of legacy is inherent to the experience of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. You create one on the field, but before you're enshrined, you have to be deliberate about how you want to be remembered. And then, when you arrive, you're immersed in the memories.

For Julius Peppers, his long journey came together Sunday morning when—wearing his new gold jacket—he placed his bust on the wall in the Gallery of the museum, where it now sits as one of the 378 members of the Hall. There's a sign outside that declares it "football heaven," and Peppers said moments after putting his bust in place that's what it felt like.

"It is, and you know, the guys that are already here, they made us feel like that," he said. "They made us feel like this is it; this is the ultimate team. Football heaven is what they call it. So it really feels like this is the top of the top and you really can't go any higher than this."

Throughout the weekend, Peppers stayed immersed in the history of the game. He specifically chose to have legendary Steelers defensive lineman Joe Greene put his new blazer on him at the Gold Jacket Dinner, connecting modern line play with another era's standard.

"It's hard to keep my own emotions intact, to be honest," Hall of Fame president Jim Porter said regarding Peppers' selection of Greene. "It gave me chills when I heard it and read it; it gave me chills."

Porter added: "It is so great to see the younger generation appreciate how this game was built and the men who built it. It was built on these guys' shoulders who are in this Hall, and Julius recognized that. I thought it was absolutely awesome."

When Peppers sat down Friday at the Hall-of-Famers-only Ray Nitschke Luncheon, he was next to legendary Vikings defensive lineman Carl Eller—a Winston-Salem native whose legacy Peppers knew well from watching historical footage during his time with Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.

"We would put on a tape with Fearsome Foursome or Purple People Eaters and we would just sit there and watch Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen and Carl Eller," Peppers recalled. "So I appreciate Rod for educating us on football history because it's important to know your history."

Peppers laughed while noting that rules changes prevented him from incorporating Jones' head-slap maneuver but emphasized there were definitely teachable moments in those tapes.

"Not necessarily football stuff but more so how they treated their teammates...how they took care of each other," he said.

The undercurrent of history was evident from his speech to Saturday night's party surrounded by former coaches, teammates, co-workers, friends, and family—including former UNC basketball legend Phil Ford.

Packers linebacker Dave Robinson praised Peppers as one of few modern players who could fit perfectly into past eras: "He could have played with us," Robinson said.

"I don't know; those guys were tough back then," Peppers responded with a laugh Sunday morning.

When legends talk to newcomers like Peppers about responsibility and sharing football history with future generations, Peppers takes these lessons seriously—especially since some former teammates such as Luke Kuechly and Steve Smith might join him someday.

"I think it's really important being that I'm first drafted Panther into Hall," he stated. "I want part going forward."

Peppers admitted it's still sinking in but acknowledged he's slowly coming to grips with belonging among legends—a sentiment echoed by carefully cradling bronze bust onto its shelf near old coach Sam Mills'.

Enshrinees can choose their representation in bronze; for example Sid Gillman's bust includes trademark bow tie while Troy Polamalu's features long flowing locks—and players decide facial hair if any present themselves accordingly too! When meeting sculptor Blair Buswell February Las Vegas measurements session surprised variations possible:

"You can do dreads?" asked Buswell replied anything wanted artist explained further options available upon request ultimately deciding short traditional cut early years Panthers chosen purposefully reflecting initial career success Carolina foundation laid future endeavors despite later styles incorporated hairstyle decisions deliberate intentional representation key choices encapsulated throughout process culminating final placement cherished memorabilia display significant location within hallowed halls esteemed institution honoring contributions sport fostering continued appreciation rich heritage storied tradition embodying timeless spirit gridiron excellence enduring testament lasting impact profound influence spanning generations beyond confines playing field extending broader societal context inspiring ongoing legacy perpetuating values principles integral essence professional athlete life achievements aspirations shared collective memory community fans supporters worldwide united common love passion beloved game football