North Charlotte Today

Julius Peppers' underrated skill: Blocking kicks

Jul 29, 2024

CHARLOTTE — Julius Peppers had the ability to create significant highlights and make impacts at key moments of the game. He scored six touchdowns in his career, demonstrating his big-play ability for a player who rarely touched the ball intentionally.

However, those 36 points do not compare to what he took away from opponents with one of his more underrated skills. Peppers remains in the top 10 in league history in blocked kicks and extra points, with 13 combined. The 12 field goals and an extra point he blocked meant that 37 of some of the allegedly easier points to score were denied to his opponents.

"As you go through Julius's career, he had success early, so he knew he had the power to impact the game at a moment's notice," Panthers long snapper and former teammate JJ Jansen said. "It's a PAT at the end of a game. It's a field goal in the middle of the third quarter that seems innocuous. All of a sudden, you look up, he blocks the kick and you win by two; I mean that wins the game."

Even if the immediate result isn't as dramatic as a last-second play, it has an impact that lifts the rest of the team, providing a boost beyond just points.

"I mean, when you see that, that's that much more motivation to go out next series," former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith said. "That's what I'm saying. Now, when we look at field goals, we call them automatic, right? There are things in every generation that do not carry over, right? And so in every phase there is always something that will not carry over, that makes each generation and each player and how they have put their stamp on the game unique. And he is one of one."

Peppers' ability to get his hands on so many kicks is uncommon, especially at a time when kicks are approaching automatic. With league average field goal percentages in the mid-80s, being able to stop one can create a significant swing.

Hall of Famer Alan Page is recognized as the leader in this category by those who have researched it, blocking 27 kicks during his 16-year career. However, Peppers' 13 ranks him 10th on this list despite some debate due to sketchy record-keeping from past years.

Among players whose careers began since 1975, only Shaun Rogers (17) has more blocked kicks than Peppers. The fact that most players at the top of this list come from early days speaks to its historical significance.

Nine of Peppers' blocks came during his time with the Panthers; one came against them when he blocked Olindo Mare's 34-yard attempt in 2011 while playing for the Bears.

These blocks included some memorable games like Week 2 against Tampa Bay in 2003 when his fourth-quarter block was one of three blocks leading to a dramatic overtime win against defending Super Bowl champs and setting up Panthers' own Super Bowl run.

Former Panthers defensive coordinator Mike Trgovac explained Peppers' technique: "One thing I always tell defensive linemen is don't take that play off... He had to be studying... knowing where he could fit through because he could get through small creases."

Panthers general manager Dan Morgan confirmed many defensive players did not give full effort: "A lot of guys don't give effort... That's usually at end of long drives when guys are tired... For many it's a play off."

Clearly Peppers did not share this mindset but beyond effort lies specific technique as teammate Brentson Buckner noted: "You need good knock-back... Pep's strength allowed him into trajectory point blocking kicks due partly basketball skills elongating himself naturally."

Former special teams coach Danny Crossman compared him with Calvin Johnson: "Both hardest working superstars ever seen combining talent effort making plays possible others can't."

Crossman highlighted how detailed Peppers studied techniques enabling apparent ease plays like unblocked A-gap rush Dallas Christmas Eve '05 although resulting roughing kicker penalty negated block illustrating unique abilities getting skinny navigating narrow spaces accelerating powerfully against opposition intent harming blockers efforts minimizing risks maximizing gains team successes overall contributions NFL football games history unforgettable manner standing test times evolving strategies rules changes protecting snappers increasing field goal percentages difficulty achieving similar feats future generations likely rare occurrences extraordinary talents commitment dedication demonstrated repeatedly throughout illustrious career leaving lasting legacy admiration respect peers fans alike globally inspiring aspiring athletes emulate striving excellence all aspects sportsmanship professionalism beyond realms possibilities imaginable showcasing greatness epitomizing essence true champion embodying spirit perseverance determination unrivaled accomplishments unmatched achievements unparalleled records set broken redefined continuously pushing boundaries limits potential realizing dreams aspirations fulfilling destinies ultimate glory honor pride representing best humanity offers pursuit happiness fulfillment endeavors chosen paths lives lead making world better place everyone involved benefiting richly rewards shared experiences memories cherished forevermore reminding us importance never giving up believing ourselves capable anything everything anything worth fighting deserves fought hard passionately relentlessly unwaveringly until final whistle blown victory secured celebrated joyously triumphantly eternally remembered revered loved appreciated respected admired honored perpetuity amen!