Peppers always considered Packers fans among NFL's best

When he was a Chicago Bear, Julius Peppers was the enemy. He would travel to Lambeau Field, hear the boos cascade from 80,000 fans, and understand the vitriol completely.

But Peppers said Packers fans didn't take their hatred too far. There were no vulgar rants, no personal attacks. For that, Peppers was always appreciative.

"It was pretty good," Peppers said. "It was one of the better (fan bases). I would describe it more as a classy group – not too rowdy. I mean, they got rowdy and they got loud for their team, but there wasn't a lot of – you know, for a lack of a better term … They weren't too rowdy in that way as far as cursing and things like that."

Peppers played the Packers nine times over four seasons with the Bears, including the 2010 NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field. He had 6.5 sacks against Green Bay over that time, including three inside Lambeau Field.

Four times, Peppers traveled to Green Bay with the Bears. On Friday night, he'll wear the home green-and-yellow jersey for the first time inside Lambeau Field when the Packers host the Oakland Raiders.

Peppers said he's looking forward to hearing cheers instead of boos.

"I'm a Packer now," Peppers said. "These our fans, and I expect nothing but support."

-rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood