Recorded 379 tackles and 5 sacks playing for the Buckeyes from 1982-1985.
New York Giants 2nd Round pick out of Ohio State in 1986 who was penciled in to play inside linebacker replacing Harry Carson.
Equally adept dropping into pass coverage or laying down the wood on opposing ball carriers.
Giants leading tackler in 1988, 1990-1992.
Pepper joined the Cleveland Browns in 1993, reuniting him with former Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichick, who used him at both inside and outside linebacker.
Johnson led the Browns in tackles with 207 in 1994, and 195 in 1995.
Went on to play for the Lions (96), and Jets (97/98).
Joined coaching staff of the Patriots in 2000 as a positional coach, and coached there through 2013.
Later Pepper coached for the Bills (14), Jets (15/16), in the AAF with the Memphis Express (2019), and briefly with the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL (2020).
In 2021 Pepper coached for IMG Academy in Florida.
Topps AAF 2019 #78
ACCOLADES:
Pepper is a two time Pro Bowler (90/94).
First team All-Pro (90).
Two time Super Bowl champion as player (XXI, XXV).
Three time Super Bowl champion as coach (XXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
NOTES:
Pepper’s given name is Thomas. His nickname came from his habit of sprinkling pepper on his cereal as a child.
Pepper’s time in the XFL as a defensive coach lasted just one game as defensive coordinator of the Wildcats in 2020. He was fired after the team allowed 4 TD passes against the Houston Roughnecks in their season opener.
Card: Playoff Contenders 2000 European Ticket Acquired: 2021, Future Prospects
CAREER SNAPSHOT:
Played 4 years for Ohio State from 1994-1997, rushing for 3036 yards.
Best year came in 1996, rushing for 1484 yards and 17 TDs, while catching 19 passes for 218 yards and finishing with 1702 yards from scrimmage for the Buckeyes.
Went undrafted in 1998 and bounced around the NFL on practice squads and offseason rosters with the 49ers, Browns, Lions, Jaguars, Steelers, Buccaneers, and Bears.
Joined the NFLE in 2000, playing for the Rhein Fire.
Ranked second in the league with 486 yards rushing and 3 TDs on 102 carries that year.
Scored the game winning touchdown in World Bowl 2000.
In 2001, topped those totals rushing for 597 yards on 166 carries (3 TDs).
Briefly saw time on the roster of the XFL Las Vegas Outlaws in 2001.
Has extensive coaching experience as a positional coach (Ohio Dominican, Youngstown State, Marshall, Dayton Warbirds, and as of 2021 at Tennessee State.)
Also had head coaching stops in the AFL2 with the Daytona Beach Hawgs (04/05) and the Marion Mayhem (08/09) where with the latter he also served as GM.
As of the time of this post, is currently offensive coordinator for Eddie George at Tennessee State.
Stared career at Temple as a TE but by his Senior season had added 30 lbs to his frame to become the Owls’ starting RT.
Spent 2018 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but was cut at the end of camp in 2019.
Selected by the Defenders in the 2020 XFL draft.
NOTES:
Cole endeared himself to Defenders fans, (who originated the ‘Beer Snake’ in the XFL,) with his unique last name and number that he chose (69) when joined the franchise.
A special shout out to two of my favorite football fans. Mark- from Mark’s Signing Bonus continues to keep me motivated by providing me addresses behind the scenes to players in other leagues as my attention wanes from time to time as we continue to collaborate on all things spring football related.
I got two autographs from Cole. One on this parallel green and another on his base card, which I decided to send to my buddy Seth ‘Tuju Man’ as a thank-you for helping me canvas the Defenders prior to the 2020 season for autographs.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
