The Julius Peppers Interview We Would Love to See

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Julius Peppers is known as much for his reticence as his extraordinary physical skills.

He’s also a focal point for the Carolina Panthers as the 2009 season approaches. Peppers has yet to sign Carolina’s offer sheet and previously expressed his desire to be traded to a team using the 3-4 defense.

With tongue firmly in cheek, we’ve taken the liberty of providing a mock interview with Peppers.

We’re playing a little shoulda/coulda, too, providing the politically correct answers along with what we feel Peppers could say minus a few of society’s barriers.

It should be noted that no attempt was made to contact Mr. Peppers for an interview.

Question: Julius, do you have a timetable set for signing Carolina’s offer sheet? A million dollars per regular season game seems incentive enough.

What he should say:  You know, I’m a firm believer that everything has its time and place. The contract situation will work out in due time. I have the utmost respect for the Carolina organization, from the trainers all the way to the owner, Mr. Richardson. It’s obviously not about the money.  It will all work out.

What he could say: Hey, I told these cats that I didn’t want to play for them. And now I haven’t signed the offer sheet. Can’t these people take a hint? What more do I have to do? Go to Canada or something?

Q: What one person in the Panthers organization do you most admire and respect?

What he should say: Mr. Richardson, hands down. He’s a classy guy, a real gentleman.

What he could say: Mr. Richardson, hands down. He’s a class guy, a real gentleman.

Q:  After Mike Minter retired, Mr. Richardson publicly called you out as someone who needed to take a more active leadership role with the Panthers. How did you feel about that?

What he should say: I have a lot of respect for Mr. Richardson. He has every right to call out one of his players.  We all should take a more active leadership role, and I’ll do my best to hold up my end.

What he could say:Dang, man. Leadership? How about 14.5 sacks last season? How’s that for leadership? These are grown men playing a child’s game for millions of dollars. And they need someone to take them by the hand? Pleeaasseee!

If they need me to treat ‘em like schoolboys then maybe it’s time to look for another profession. Leadership? Are you kidding me?

Q: Let’s talk about the trade request. How adamant are you on making that happen?

What he should say: Well, that’s certainly something that’s been mentioned. I’ve enjoyed my time with the Carolina Panthers and, again, have the utmost respect for the entire organization.

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