Panthers S Jeremy Chinn reps with Julius Peppers jersey

The first week of Carolina Panthers safety Jeremy Chinn’s jersey initiative was certainly a success. But, with no disrespect to the great Muggsy Bogues,  today’s choice just kicked things up a notch.

Chinn arrived at Bank of America Stadium on Friday night for the team’s preseason finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers wearing a Julius Peppers jersey. That black No. 90 is still looking good, by the way.

Got a pep in his step pic.twitter.com/eKFHxSv256

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 27, 2021

North Carolina born and bred, the Wilson, N.C. native turned North Carolina Tar Heel turned Carolina Panther is more than a legend around these parts. Peppers was drafted by the organization with the second overall pick of the 2002 NFL draft, essentially solidifying his status as the state’s favorite son.

He spent a total of 10 seasons with the Panthers. He earned four All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl selections, the 2002 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and a nod on the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team over that time.

Peppers retired after the 2018 season as the franchise’s all-time leading sack artist (97.0). His total of 159.5 career sacks is good enough to sit him at the No. 4 spot in NFL history.

Chinn, as he plans for each jersey from each home game, will have the threads signed, auctioned off and donated to the charity of that Carolina legend’s choice.