Julius Peppers: The Icon, the Superstar, the Future?

Julius Peppers may not be at Superstar Status in the NFL, but he has been Superstar Status to Carolina Panthers fans since his second career game with the Panthers when he racked up three sacks against the Lions. He is the single greatest acquisition that the Carolina Panthers have ever received.

In his seven career seasons as a Panther, he is the all-time leader in sacks with 70.5 in seven seasons. And he is coming off of his career season with 14.5 sacks, tied for fifth in the NFL. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002, and in Febuary he will be attending his fourth career Pro Bowl.

For his 6'7", 280lbs build, his attributes are truly one of a kind. He may be 6'7", but he is faster than most tight ends, and is one of the fastest defensive lineman in the game today. He has never had injury problems in his career, only missing two games in his career due to injury in seven seasons.

He also has incredible hands as he has a few career interceptions, and with his speed, allowed him to return a 99 yard interception for a touchdown. He also has a leaping ability to block kicks, as he has seven in his career.

Since his arrival in 2002, he has been in the top 10 in sacks in the NFL in all but two seasons. The two seasons he didn't finish in the top 10, the Carolina Panthers had losing records. Like I mentioned, he is coming of his best career season in the NFL with 14.5 sacks, so the question is, will Julius Peppers stay in Carolina or go?

If Peppers leaves, Carolina will undoubtedly lose the greatest player they ever drafted in they let Peppers go. Julius Peppers is the star of the Panthers defense, and without Peppers, the defensive line is garbage.

Since Mike Rucker retired, Peppers has single-handedly carried the Defensive Line, by applying pressure from all directions. He is the only starter on the Panthers defense who started for the 2003 Super Bowl team. He is the unspoken captain of the Defense, and alongside Jon Beason, they carry the future of the team.

However, if reports are true, Julius Peppers wants to leave the State of North Carolina for the first time in his career.

If Peppers leaves the Panthers, the Panthers will have to go in rebuilding stage, and will have to get a whole new defensive crew. This is a defense that was once feared in the NFL, and once one of the greatest defenses in the leagues.

After the disappointing performance in Arizona, this defense is already needing of a rebuilding, and if Peppers leaves, the Panthers may be in for a disappointing season in 2009.

If Peppers leaves the Panthers, he will be the most valuable free agent going into the 2009 season. He may be the greatest Defensive Player in the NFL at the moment. And turning 29 Sunday, Julius Peppers is coming off of his best NFL season, and entering new territory as he is currently at the prime of his NFL career.

With his undoubted speed, his intelligence, experience, durability, hands, and agility, what is it that Julius Peppers can't do, if he is given the chance?