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Julius Peppers used to terrorize the Detroit Lions’ offensive line. Over his phenomenal 17-year career, Peppers tallied 16.0 sacks against Detroit alone, forced eight fumbles and added an additional 18 quarterback hits.
Now that he has finally entered retired life, he’s giving back to the team that he dominated for so many years.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, Peppers is holding his first annual Pass Rushing Camp, and among the inaugural participants is Lions defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand.
Texans franchise player Jadeveon Clowney @JDClowney is participating in Julius Peppers' first annual pass rush camp this week in Miami along with pass rushing coaches Chuck Smith @chucksmithnfl @FeetHipsHands and Robert Mathis, Gerald McCoy, Da'Shawn Hand, etc.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 10, 2019
Hand is entering his second year in the league, and he has already developed a reputation as one of the hardest working players on the team. In his rookie year, he’d stay after practice to work with Ricky Jean Francois on his technique. This year, with Francois gone, he’s leading a group of defensive linemen in identical drills after practice.
This commitment to getting better is obviously a great sign for Hand, who is coming off an impressive rookie season. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest graded rookie interior defender and finished the season with an impressive 25 quarterback pressures and 18 defensive stops.
Hand’s offseason workout ethic mirrors that of Darius Slay, who participated in his own defensive back summit last year led by All Pro Richard Sherman.