15 athletes who are grandparents at heart

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 16: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady leaves the field after the Patriots defeated the Chiefs 27-20. The New England Patriots hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016. (Photo by John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

7 of 16

NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 19: Julius Peppers /

10. Julius Peppers

You know that grandpa that is out of that picture for awhile because of some family drama but then returns and all is forgiven? That’s Grandpa Julius Peppers.

Drafted by the Carolina Panthers back in 2002, Peppers spent eight years in Carolina before moving on to Chicago and Green Bay. It looked like he would return home after leaving Chicago, but he wasn’t quite ready to re-join the family.

Now, in his 15th season in the league, Grandpa Peppers is back where he belongs. He’s at home with his family, telling them stories about blocking field goals and kickers costing him the Super Bowl. He manages to stay young thanks to his little grandkid named Cam Newton, who is constantly dancing and chirping at him. One day, Grandpa Peppers is probably going to knock little Cam upside his head for talking so much. Grandpa Peppers is not one to be messed with.

That’s the kind of grandparent Peppers is. He has been out of the picture for many years, but he steps right in and is automatically respected. No one cares why he left or why he didn’t return sooner. They don’t look down on him or are dismissive for his choices. They are just happy to have grandpa Peppers back in their life. They know that he’s not afraid to lay down the law and that they better not get out of line around him.

Grandma Thomas Davis and Uncle Luke Kuechly are most excited about the return of Grandpa Peppers.

Home/MLB