Earlier this year, Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers made a public plea for a new NFL team.
But no one made a serious run at his services, due to the fact that the Panthers were looking for more than a first-round pick for the franchise players, and Peppers was looking for a gigantic contract — one that equaled or exceeded Albert Haynesworth’s mammoth deal in D.C.
So Peppers eventually decided that Carolina wasn’t such a bad place to play pro football after all.
And his teammates have decided that, despite his desire to leave, he’s the perfect guy to serve as a team captain in 2009.
It’s Peppers’ second year as a captain, an honor determined by a vote of the players. The other Carolina captains are quarterback Jake Delhomme, tackle Jordan Gross, linebacker Jon Beason, and kicker John Kasay.
So Peppers is, by all appearances, fully committed to his team. Until the 2009 season ends, and Peppers begins to position himself for a shot at getting paid in an uncapped environment.
Please. The only reason Peppers was voted captain by teammates was a suck-up attempt to get the guy to show up for a couple games this year. How ironic is it that his chief complaint was a lack of new direction and surrounding him with playmakers, but his crippling salary is what kept the Panthers from being able to sign anyone.
@Anybodyhome…..well put!
u must be here in the Carolinas too b/c u nailed it
I hope they’re all fighting with each other in the locker room early Sunday afternoon. I hope Jake thinks he’s playing the Cardinals in the playoffs. Unfortunately I think the last team to score may win in a shootout. Steve Smith and his clone DeSean Jackson should run through the respective defenses.
@anybodyhome
Yeah, its Peppers’ fault the market values him so highly. And its Peppers’ fault the FO of his team can’t do their job and find playmakers. And its Peppers’ fault for signing his franchise tender. I would bet you’re just envious that professional athletes make more money than you. Get over it.
If Peppers’ salary is so high it prevents the team from doing well, here’s an idea, don’t sign him.
Again, Peppers wasn’t looking for a huge contract. You reported several times during last season he twice turned down the opportunity to be the highest paid player in league history. Look @ your own reports….
DeSean Jackson is far from a steve smith clone. Desean Jackson is more of a taller Reggie Bush that plays reciever