Peppers headlines defensive-focused Pro Football Hall of Fame class
LAS VEGAS — The Pro Football Hall of Fame now has a roster featuring every NFL franchise.
Julius Peppers became the first player drafted by Carolina to make it to the Hall and Andre Johnson became the first for Houston as part of the 2024 class announced Thursday night at NFL Honors.
The Panthers and Texans had been the last two franchises who hadn’t had a player they drafted get voted into the Hall.
“Any time you can be the first player to do something, it’s an amazing feeling,” Johnson said. “It just adds more to your legacy. You’ll aways be remembered.”
The class had a distinctive defensive feel with Johnson the only offensive player to make it. Peppers was joined by another elite pass rusher in Dwight Freeney and do-everything linebacker Patrick Willis in the modern era category.
Dynamic returner Devin Hester also got voted into the Hall from the group of 15 finalists as the first player to get in primarily as a returner.
“I’m just happy to show people special teams does matter,” Hester said. “That’s my No. 1 pride to get into the Hall of Fame. Now you can’t overlook special teams.”
Two more defensive players got in on the senior category, with linebacker Randy Gradishar and defensive tackle Steve McMichael getting the needed 80 percent support from the panel.
“I love defense obviously,” Freeney said. “We understand the game. I know how the game is sold. I understand the other side of it. But I will take a defensive player all day.”
Former AFL receiver Art Powell and coach Buddy Parker fell short of the threshold and missed out.
Peppers was one of the league’s most dominant linemen after being picked second overall by Carolina in 2002 and got the honor in his first year of eligibility.
“It’s a surreal moment,” he said. “It’s kind of still unbelievable.”