LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The top free agent on the market had several suitors. But star defensive end Julius Peppers wanted to join the Bears in part because of the organization’s storied tradition. 

In his opening remarks at his introductory press conference Friday at Halas Hall, Peppers spoke about becoming part of a founding NFL franchise that boasts nine championships and a league-high 26 Hall of Famers.

New Bears defensive end Julius Peppers signs on the dotted line Friday at Halas Hall.

“I’m excited to be here and looking forward to doing big things,” Peppers said. “Getting to come to a place with a deep-rooted tradition of winning is a great thing for me. It’s a wonderful thing.

“I’m happy to be here. It’s one thing to play football in this league and make a living. But it’s a totally different thing to come to a place with a great tradition and rich football culture like the Bears.”

Another key factor in Peppers’ decision to sign with the Bears was the opportunity to work with coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli.

“Coaching is the thing that I wanted to come here for because coach Smith is a defensive-minded coach,” Peppers said. “Coach Marinelli is regarded in league circles as one of the best defensive line coaches in the league. The opportunity to work with those two guys was a big factor in my decision to come here.

“Playing on a team with a great tradition on defense as this team was intriguing also. I’m looking forward to hopefully adding to that legacy and making a great contribution.”

Peppers was impressed when he received a phone call from his agent after midnight Friday informing him that Smith had flown to North Carolina to meet with him.

“That meant a lot,” Peppers said. “When I found out that he had come down, that showed me that he really wanted me, and the interest was mutual. That was a big deal, and that meant a lot to me.”

Even though Peppers has recorded 81 sacks in his eight NFL seasons with the Carolina Panthers—including 25 the past two years—he’s hoping that Marinelli can help turn him into an even better player.

“You never get to the level where you can stop improving,” Peppers said. “I’m open to any suggestions and any coaching tips that he has because I know the guys he has worked with. I’ve seen his résumé and I know he can only help my game, [and] take my game to the next level.”

Another thing about playing for the Bears that appealed to Peppers was the chance to join a defense that features Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Tommie Harris—three players who’ve been voted to a combined 14 Pro Bowls.

“Of course, I looked at the roster and having those guys didn’t hurt,” Peppers said. “’Lach has been one of the best players in the league since I’ve been in the league. I’ve always admired his game from afar. Having the opportunity to play with him, I jumped at the opportunity.”

While some may view Peppers as a savior for a defense that has struggled mightily at times in recent years, the 6-7, 283-pounder isn't comfortable with that label.

“I wouldn’t necessarily go that far to say that,” Peppers said. “This team already has Pro Bowl and All-Pro players on the roster. I would see myself coming in as just another piece to add to what’s already in place.”