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Julius Peppers Returns as Assistant Coach to Push Packers for NFC North Title

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Green Bay, WI – May 16, 2025

Julius Peppers, the Green Bay Packers’ Hall of Fame defensive end, is making a remarkable return as an assistant defensive coach, sources told ESPN on May 16, 2025. The move is designed to fuel the team’s ambition for an NFC North title, tapping into Peppers’ legendary pass-rushing prowess.

Peppers, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and 2010 NFC Defensive Player of the Year, retired in 2018 after 17 seasons, amassing 159.5 sacks and 11 interceptions. His comeback to Lambeau Field as a coach fulfills a long-held desire to contribute to the Packers, per Packers.com.

“I’m back where I belong,” Peppers told The Green Bay Press-Gazette. “This team, these fans—I’m here to win.” Hired to mentor the defensive line, he’ll work under head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, guiding stars like Rashan Gary and Devonte Wyatt.

The Packers, after trading Aaron Jones and signing Josh Jacobs, are in “win-now” mode with $6.8 million in cap space, per Spotrac. Peppers’ coaching debut follows T.J. Slaton’s departure and Kenny Clark’s pay cut, signaling a defensive rejuvenation.

Peppers’ 88.7 PFF-grade instincts from 2014 will shape a defensive line ranked 18th in pass rush (38 sacks) in 2024. His “relentless” approach—sacking, disrupting, and forcing fumbles—could elevate Gary’s edge rush and Wyatt’s interior play, per The Athletic.

LaFleur, who coached Peppers during his 2014-2016 stint, welcomed his return. “Julius is a game-changer,” he said. “His vision will sharpen our defense.” Peppers’ role includes designing pass-rush packages, critical against Jared Goff and Caleb Williams in the NFC North.

Fans on X erupted, with posts like “Peppers is back! Defense reborn!” and “Julius coaching Gary? Unstoppable!” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted, “Peppers’ instincts as a coach could redefine Green Bay’s defense.”

As OTAs loom, Peppers’ comeback ignites hope for a division crown. With Jordan Love leading a revamped offense and a fortified defense, his coaching could propel the Packers past rivals, cementing his legacy as a champion on and off the field.

Former Offensive Tackle Returns to Sign One-Day Contract, Retire as a Philadelphia Eagles
He thought he had said goodbye to football for good back in February. After 19 seasons, multiple Pro Bowls, and a career that will almost certainly lead to Canton, the legendary offensive tackle quietly walked away from the game—without fanfare, without a ceremony. But for him, something never quite felt finished. That changed this week. On Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that Jason Peters has returned to sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the team, officially retiring in midnight green—the colors that defined his legacy. It’s not a comeback on the field. It’s closure. And for a player who gave over a decade of greatness to the city of Philadelphia, it’s the only ending that ever made sense. “This city shaped my career and gave me a home. It’s only right that I finish it where it all truly mattered,” Peters said in a short statement through the team. “Midnight green forever.” Save 20% on all Eagles collection: https://shoevoque.com/product-category/philadelphia-eagleswoo/   Peters spent 12 seasons with the Eagles from 2009 to 2020, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and solidifying himself as one of the most dominant left tackles of his era. His presence on the offensive line helped stabilize the franchise through multiple quarterback eras, culminating in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run, even though he was injured during that postseason. Though he finished his career with short stints in Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle, Peters always made it clear that Philadelphia was home. When asked why he wanted to come back just to retire, Peters said simply, “It didn’t feel right ending my career without the Eagles. This team, this city—they gave me everything.” Current players and coaches echoed that sentiment. Lane Johnson referred to him as “a blueprint for what an offensive lineman should be,” and Nick Sirianni called the signing “a moment the whole organization stands behind.” Peters is expected to be honored during the Eagles’ 2025 home opener, where fans will finally get to salute one of the franchise’s greatest linemen. And while he may have played his final snap years ago, the closing of his story couldn’t have come at a better place—or with a better jersey on his back. Jason Peters is officially, and forever, an Eagle.