Carolina Panthers announce inductions of Julius Peppers, Muhsin Muhammad to Hall of Honor

The Carolina Panthers announced on Monday that the franchise intends to induct former stars Julius Peppers and Muhsin Muhammad to the Hall of Honor this season.

The two retirees both began their careers with the Panthers before their paths took them to other teams. Despite signing other contracts, Peppers and Muhammad ended their careers in Carolina in 2018 and 2009, respectively.

“Muhsin Muhammad and Julius Peppers were drafted by the Panthers. Both became All-Pros here. Both came back to Carolina to finish their careers. This is another homecoming, a permanent one,” team owner David Tepper said in the team’s release.

“Not only did Muhsin and Julius set high standards on the field, they also were selected as Panthers Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year team winners. Having gotten to know both these fine men, I have no doubt that they deserve to join the distinguished group of Panthers in the Hall of Honor.”

The Panthers will hold their induction ceremony this season on Oct. 29. The ceremony will occur at halftime during the home game versus the Houston Texans.

Panthers to add Peppers, Muhammad to Hall of Honor

Julius Peppers, a No. 2 overall draft pick for the Panthers in 2002 out of North Carolina, played eight seasons in Carolina before leaving for a four-year stint with the Bears. He made a triumphant return in 2017 after playing three seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Over 17 seasons, the defensive end tallied 159.5 sacks and had 11 interceptions. Peppers also scored four touchdowns during his career, including two in his first run with the Panthers.

Wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad left Michigan State and became a second-round NFL Draft pick for the Panthers, selected at No. 43 overall. He played 15 years in the league, including his first nine and last two with Carolina.

He was a two-time Pro Bowler, a first-team All-Pro in 2004 and finished as the league leader in receptions in 2000, as well as the receiving yards and receiving touchdowns leader in 2004. His best season in the league came in 2004 with 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns on 93 receptions.

The Panthers Hall of Honor began on September 21, 1997 when former team president and general manager Mike McCormack became the first inductee. In 1998, the Panthers added linebacker Sam Mills.

On October 6, 2019, the Panthers expanded the Hall of Honor with the first class in over 20 years. They inducted former players Steve Smith, Sr., Jake Delhomme, Jordan Gross and Wesley Walls.