The Julius Peppers Interview We Would Love to See

If a trade happened, then I certainly could live with that. And if it doesn’t happen, I could see myself staying with the Panthers for the rest of my career. I’ll do my best to retain my professionalism regardless of where I’m playing. Any team that has Julius Peppers on its roster will get 100 percent of Julius Peppers.

What he could say: I’m so anxious to get out of here that I can hardly stand it. I was born in North Carolina, grew up here, went to college here, and I’ve spent my entire career here. I love it and will always be a Carolina man at heart. But, dang, it’s time to expand my horizons a little.

My agent has worked hard to help the Panthers make a trade but we’re not getting a lot of cooperation from the organization. I guess my leadership skills are too valuable here. (Hearty laugh.)

Q: What about the 3-4 defense? You expressed a desire to play in that system, but how important is it to you?

What he should say: That’s certainly a defense I could see myself playing, but coach Fox is a big fan of the 4-3 and that’s something that’s his decision. I’ll play wherever they want, and I’ll do whatever they ask me to do. 

What he could say: Hey, man, it’s time to shake things up a little. We’re close to being one of the top three or four defenses in the NFL. Look at our defensive starters and tell me there’s not talent on the field. By and large, we’re young, fast and aggressive. And our problem is we’ve become too predictable in recent seasons—on both sides of the ball.

Q: Why do you think you personally would thrive in a 3-4 alignment?

What he should say: I would really rather move on to another topic.

What he could say: If you had a Ferrari Testarossa, would you only drive it to church on Sundays?

Q: You’re known as being reluctant to talk to the media. Why is that?

What he should say: Well, we’re all different, and I’m just not that comfortable talking about myself. I would rather my teammates get the attention. I would prefer to be home, all alone, holed up with a good book.

What he could say: Because of guys like you who ask too many questions. So what about your latest contract—you signed yet?

Journalist: I don’t think we need to go there.

Peppers: See what I mean.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?