Who was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002?

Julius Peppers was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002.

The Carolina Panthers selected Peppers second overall in the 2002 NFL Draft after his standout career at the University of North Carolina. He made an immediate impact at defensive end, recording 12 sacks in 12 games despite missing four contests. His athleticism, length and pass-rushing ability made him one of the league’s most disruptive rookies.

Peppers won the Associated Press award and was also recognized as the Pro Football Writers of America’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. He received 25 of 48 AP voting points, finishing ahead of Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney. The award is sometimes confused with the separate NFL Defensive Player of the Year honor, which went to Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks for the 2002 season.

Peppers went on to become one of the NFL’s premier defensive players. Over a 17-season career with the Panthers, Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections and finished with 159.5 sacks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.