Former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Julius Peppers is officially hanging them up.

Peppers, who turned 39 last month, played for the Monsters of the Midway from 2010-13 and compiled 37.5 sacks during his stint with the team.

Peppers announced his intention to retire in an essay that was printed in The Players' Tribune saying:

Bears fans … man … I could not have chosen a better place to make my first stop outside of North Carolina. You were so welcoming and so supportive. I was very proud to wear that uniform. I’ll always love the city of Chicago.

Peppers retires after 17 years on an NFL field, with his next step logically Canton and his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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