Why Julius Peppers gave up ‘first love’ for Hall of Fame football career

Posted Feb 15, 2024
There was a time Julius Peppers favored dunks over sacks. But the Panthers legend had the self-awareness, even in his early 20s, to know a basketball career wasn’t worth stunting the potential of an extraordinary football journey. The former two-sport athlete at the University of the North Carolina chose wisely. "Basketball was my first love," Peppers said. (MSN.com)

Related: Football, Football Recruiting

Video: IC Podcast - UNC Football Halfway Home
UNC Football sits at 4-2 overall halfway through the 2026 season and has exceeded expectations for nearly everyone that follows the Tar Heel program. Inside...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

Jaylen McGill on the Game Winner vs. Duke, Déjà Vu, and More
UNC running back Jaylen McGill rushed for a touchdown at Wallace Wade Stadium when he was in fifth grade, during the Carolina Bowl, where a...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

What is Belichickian? He’s never used the term
Some have described the last two gritty UNC road victories as "Belichickian." Just don’t ask him what it means. "I don’t know. You’d have to...
Tue Oct 20, 2026

2026 UNC Football Opponent Preview: Syracuse
Bill Belichick is not fooled by Syracuse’s poor record, noting that the Orange are "a few plays away" from being 6-0 as opposed to 2-4...
Tue Oct 20, 2026