It doesn't require a statistical breakdown to quantify what a disruptive defensive force Julius Peppers was throughout his NFL career.
Yet one statistic will stand synonymous with his career.
The sack.
Peppers finished his 17-year career with 159.5 sacks to his credit, the fourth most since that stat became official in 1982.
Here's a breakdown of that very big number in ways both factual and fun.
- Peppers reached double digits in sacks 10 times in 17 seasons and had at least seven sacks in all but two seasons. He played in 266 of a possible 272 games in his career - the sixth most games played by a defensive player in NFL history.
- Crazy as it might sound, among players to wear a Panthers uniform, Peppers only ranks third in sacks. Reggie White in second place on the all-time list and Kevin Greene in third place played parts of their Hall of Fame careers in Carolina. The Panthers faced all-time leader Bruce Smith of the Bills in 1995, in the second game in franchise history. Smith didn't record a sack.
- Peppers recorded at least one sack against 30 of the NFL's 32 franchises. The exceptions were the Bengals (three games against) and the Colts. Peppers faced the Colts four times; he also faced the Raiders four times and recorded 9.5 sacks against them.
- Peppers didn't sack Peyton Manning in their three meetings (two with Colts, one with Broncos), but he sacked brother Eli twice. At least one and likely two Mannings will be in the Hall of Fame someday along with Peppers, who sacked two quarterbacks already in the Hall in Brett Favre and Kurt Warner. Favre and Warner are among seven MVPs that Peppers sacked, along with the late Steve McNair, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton.
- Playing for the Panthers and also two NFC North teams in the Bears and Packers, Peppers faced the Buccaneers, Saints, Falcons, Lions and Vikings most often – between 20 and 23 career games against each. He "only" had seven sacks against New Orleans (four against Drew Brees) compared to 19.5 against Tampa Bay – his most against any team. Against the Buccaneers he sacked three different Joshes (McCown, Freeman, Johnson) and three different Johnsons (Josh, Brad, Rob). But only one Josh Johnson.
- Peppers only sacked Matt Ryan three times, but he managed to sack him when wearing a Panthers, a Packers and a Bears uniform. Mike Vick is the only other quarterback Peppers sacked with all three of his teams. He got Vick seven total times, only behind the eight sacks he recorded against Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. Peppers had 16 sacks against the Lions, second most against any team, including his first career sack – of Mike McMahon in Week 2 of his rookie season in 2002.
- Those quarterbacks were among the 78 that Peppers sacked – in regular season play. Postseason stats don't count toward career totals, but Peppers did record 5.5 playoff sacks. One came in an infamous game, when as a member of the Packers in 2014 he sacked Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo during the Dez Bryant catch-or-no-catch game.
- Peppers sacked Favre in 2007 - Favre's final season with the Packers – then Rodgers in 2008 in Rodgers' first season as the Packers' starter. He got Favre with the Vikings in 2009, then he joined forces with Rodgers in 2010, spending four seasons in Green Bay and then three in Chicago before returning to Carolina to close out his career.
- Peppers faced Newton four times – as a Bear in 2011 and '12 and as a Packer in 2014 and '15. He recorded 1.5 sacks in both the '12 and '14 games, including one of his 41 career strip-sacks. Peppers blocked a field goal in the 2011 game, and in the 2015 he famously tossed the ball aside after a Newton touchdown out of the quarterback's reach to slow his "Sunday giveaway."
- As noted earlier, Peppers sacked Eli Manning but not brother Peyton. He sacked Derek Carr but not David Carr, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2002 draft when Peppers was picked second (they were Panthers teammates in 2007). Peppers sacked another eventual teammate – Josh McCown – but not his brother Luke.
- Peppers did sack both Carson and Jesse Palmer. They're not related, but still.
View 90 photos of the legendary defensive end from his time in a Panthers uniform.
In this April 20, 2002, file photo, Julius Peppers, of North Carolina, holds up a team jersey after being selected by the Carolina Panthers as their first pick, second overall, in the NFL Draft in New York. (AP Photo/Ed Betz, File)
Julius Peppers during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ericsson Stadium on September 28, 2003.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2003.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Washinton Redskins at Ericsson Stadium on November 15, 2003.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ericsson Stadium on December 20, 2003.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Tennesee Titans at Ericsson Stadium on October 19, 2003.
Julius Peppers and Jevon Kearse during a game against the Tennesee Titans at Ericsson Stadium on October 19, 2003.
Julius Peppers sacks Quincy Carter during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2003.
Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, center, congratulates defensive end Julius Peppers (90) after Peppers' interception in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 29-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Julius Peppers signs autographs when the Panthers returned to Ericsson Stadium after winning the NFC Championship on Jan. 18, 2004.
Julius Peppers alongside defensive line teammates (l-r Shane Burton, Mike Rucker, Julius Peppers, Brentson Buckner, Kris Jenkins, Al Wallace) during a practice leading up to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers answers questions during Super Bowl XXXVIII media day, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2004 at Reliant Stadium in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Julius Peppers during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
Julius Peppers alongside Brentson Buckner, Mike Rucker and Al Wallace at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on November 20, 2004.
Julius Peppers during a game against the St. Louis Rams at Bank of America Stadium on December 11, 2004.
Julius Peppers returns an interception for a 46-yard touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on November 28, 2004.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (7) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 24-6 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Julius Peppers sacks Drew Bledsoe during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2005.
Julius Peppers chases Drew Bledsoe during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2005.
Julius Peppers embraces head coach John Fox after a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on December 3, 2005.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 16, 2005.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 5, 2005.
Julius Peppers lines up at wide receiver during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on October 3, 2005.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 20, 2005.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 19, 2006.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 15, 2006.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on November 12, 2006.
Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on October 30, 2006.
Julius Peppers pressures Brett Favre during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.
Julius Peppers and Brett Favre after a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 18, 2007.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Pheonix Stadium on Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Julius Peppers, Mike Rucker, Steve Smith and John Kasay prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Sunday, December 9, 2007.
Julius Peppers during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2007.
Julius Peppers celebrates with Chris Gamble during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.
Julius Peppers tackles LaDainian Tomlinson during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, September 7, 2008.
Julius Peppers and Jared Allen during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Sunday, September 21, 2008.
Julius Peppers pressures Matt Ryan during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2008.
Julius Peppers pressures Kurt Warner during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 26, 2008.
Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) stands over Detroit Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper (11) after sacking him and causing a fumble during the second half of the Panthers' 31-22 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson during a game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 14, 2008.
Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2008.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
Julius Peppers sacks Aaron Rodgers during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday, November 30, 2008.
Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
Julius Peppers sacks Drew Brees during a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome on Sunday, December 28, 2008.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2009.
Julius Peppers returns an interception for a touchdown during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Julius Peppers during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Julius Peppers and Ryan Kalil during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2009.
Julius Peppers prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 25, 2009.
Julius Peppers sacks Eli Manning during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Julius Peppers during a game against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on Sunday, December 27, 2009.
Julius Peppers during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, January 3, 2010.
Julius Peppers and head coach Ron Rivera in Peppers' first game after returning to the Panthers at San Francisco on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.
The Carolina Panthers play against the San Francisco 49ers during week one of the regular season on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.
Julius Peppers runs out of the tunnel during his first game back at Bank of America Stadium in Week 2 against Buffalo in 2017.
Carolina Panther celebrates a sack against the Buffalo Bills in his first game as a Panther back at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.
Julius Peppers strip-sacks Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, N.C.
Julius Peppers embraces teammate Thomas Davis at a game in Tampa Bay in 2017.
Julius Peppers sacks Tom Brady in a game at New England in 2017.
Julius Peppers sacks Josh McCown in a game at the New York Jets in 2017.
Julius Peppers and teammate Luke Kuechly.
Julius Peppers bangs the Keep Pounding Drum before a game against Green Bay Packers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 17, 2017.
Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez)
Julius Peppers sacks Jameis Winston against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez)
Julius Peppers waves to the crowd against Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, September 9, 2018.
Julius Peppers tackles Saquon Barkley during the game against the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018.
Julius Peppers walks off the field during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Julius Peppers strip-sacks Alex Smith in a game against Washington in 2018.
Cam Newton hugs Julius Peppers during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, October 21, 2018.
Julius Peppers in the tunnel before player introductions during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.
Julius Peppers pressures Joe Flacco during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.
Julius Peppers comforts families of fallen soldiers being recognized during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
Julius Peppers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
Julius Peppers and Luke Kuechly against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
Julius Peppers, Mike Adams, Captain Munnerlyn and Luke Kuechly celebrate a defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on Thursday, November 8, 2018.
Julius Peppers in the locker room during pregame against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Julius Peppers walks off the field after a game against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.
Julius Peppers is introduced for the last time at Bank of America Stadium prior to a game against Atlanta on Dec. 23, 2018. (Photo by Kent Smith)
Julius Peppers was an NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee in 2018. (Photo by Kent Smith)
Thomas Davis and Julius Peppers talk on the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, December 30, 2018.
Julius Peppers at the game against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.
Julius Peppers during the game against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.
Julius Peppers leaves the field for the last time against the Saints on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018.
