Today, former Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers has been inducted into the 2019 Hall of Fame. He capped his 17-year NFL career with three All-Pro selections and nine Pro Bowls, making a storied name for himself. However, there was a time when the professional athlete went through some rough patches in his personal life.

Peppers was born on January 18, 1980, in Wilson County to his mother, Bessie Faye Brinkley, and father, George Kurney. According to some outlets, his parents are also blessed with a daughter, Yolando Peppers. While Bessie’s profession remains undisclosed, George Kurney worked in law enforcement as a deputy.

On the surface, it might seem like a happy family, but things weren’t as they appeared. Brinkley and Kurney separated when the children were small, and the real reason behind their split still remains unknown.

After the separation, Bessie was granted custody of both children and moved on with her life. She married Julius Peppers’ stepfather, Clarence Peppers, with whom she had Julius Peppers’ younger brother, Stepone. However, this marriage also didn’t last, and they soon separated. Determined to provide a stable life for her children, Bessie decided to focus more on them. She moved to the small town of Bailey and raised them as capable citizens. As a result, all her children learned the basic etiquette of treating everyone with love and respect. Moreover, Julius has become a man with a golden heart, supporting deserving organizations financially. Bessie, a strict mother, was instrumental in supporting Julius’ football career and guiding him through every phase of his journey.

On the other hand, Julius Peppers’ father, Kurney, was arrested while Julius was playing for the Chicago Bears. According to reports, he was charged in North Carolina with felony possession of drugs. Following his arrest in 2011, Kurney was dismissed from his sheriff’s deputy job after 10 years of service. He was taken to Wilson County jail and released about an hour later on a $1,000 bond. Unfortunately, his current whereabouts are unknown, but Peppers’ other family members still live in the Bailey area.

Since Julius Peppers didn’t spend much time with his dad, he had more time with his mom, Bessie. According to him, his mom played a key role in shaping his football journey, and her love and faith were evident during his admission day at the University of North Carolina.

Julius Peppers’ first day!

In the fall of 1998, Julius Peppers faced a significant transition as he began his journey at the University of North Carolina. Moving from his small-town roots in Bailey to the vast world of college football was indeed a daunting task. However, to support him in his football trajectory, UNC assistant coach Donnie Thompson introduced him to Carl Carey, the newly hired academic advisor. The scene was touching as Bessie Faye Brinkley, who always stood by her children, dropped Julius Peppers off as he embarked on this new chapter. She also wanted to meet his soon-to-be coach and see everything around her as a caring and hopeful mom.

Thompson made a promise to Peppers’ mother, assuring her that her son would get the support he needed. On that first day, Thompson brought Carey to meet Julius Peppers and his mother. Coach Thompson, with his commanding presence, reassured Bessie that Julius would be in good hands. Like other moms, Bessie trusted the coach’s word and nodded in agreement. Bessie’s trust in Thompson and Carey was proof of her dedication as a mother. She wanted to ensure that her son, who had worked so hard to get to this point, had every opportunity to succeed.

At the University, Julius Peppers wasn’t initially thrilled with the new guidance. Many times, he and Carey butted heads, as the former DE wasn’t ready to embrace the strict structure. But as time passed, their relationship evolved. Eventually, Carey became his mentor and friend, helping him navigate the challenges of college life. And today, Bessie is a proud mother!