Panthers greats Julius Peppers and Steve Smith Sr. reunite at Super Bowl LVIII

In 2004, the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers gave us one of the most thrilling games in Super Bowl history . . . or at least one of the most thrilling second halves in Super Bowl history. And now, 20 years later, two of that night’s biggest stars reunited on the biggest stage of the sport.

Although they weren’t a part of the action, Panthers legends Julius Peppers and Steve Smith Sr. crossed paths at Allegiant Stadium during Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday:

With a #Hofer #KeepPounding #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/r8P21L2ebk

— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 12, 2024

The fella on the left, of course, was in Las Vegas to claim his selection into the Pro Football Hall of Fame while the fella on the right, now an NFL Network analyst, was busy at work . . .

GAME OVER!!! pic.twitter.com/bwzZn0jmqP

— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) February 12, 2024

Unfortunately, their fingers were not adorned with Super Bowl rings when they met up. They were extremely close to that jewelry back on Feb. 1, 2004—where Peppers, Smith and the Panthers fell short in a heartbreaking 32-29 defeat.

But maybe they’ll reunite again in the near future, when both have busts over in Canton, Ohio.