Q & A with Pep

Fans Q&A: Julius Peppers
July 19, 2005

Panthers.com

What is your best weapon, your speed or your power? Landon, Siler City, NC

Actually, I think my best weapons are my uniqueness and versatility at the position. My goal is to be a chameleon, successfully changing and adapting to any situation I'm presented with on the field.


What goals have you set for your career? Mark, Jefferson, NC

I would like to leave the game with a consensus as one of the best to ever play the position.

Do you miss playing basketball? Any thoughts of trying out for the Bobcats? I can see you and Emeka Okafor making for a dominant inside game. Dave, Charlotte, NC

I enjoy basketball, but I'm enjoying it as a spectator. In fact, I catch a lot of the Bobcats games. Right now, my focus is on playing football.

Can we expect to see you line up on the other side of the ball any time this year? How badly do you want an offensive touchdown? Chris, Chapin, SC

I'm ready to do whatever the coaches ask of me. I'm not looking to accomplish any one thing offensively. I just want to be used in a way that will help the team.

Of all past and present NFL players, who would you compare your style of play to? Kurb, Cornelius, NC

I really don't compare my style of play with any past or present NFL players. I think I'm unique. Hopefully, the things that I do on the field will revolutionize the defensive end position.

Do you ever check out any Panthers fan websites to see what people say about you and the team? Sport, Cornelius, NC

Yeah, I check out the websites sometimes. Some of the stuff is interesting.


If you could have one play back to do over again, which one would it be and why? DaFro, Gastonia, NC

As I look back, I honestly wouldn't go back on any play. In football, you have to make split-second decisions. I feel like I've made those decisions well. You just don't have time to second-guess yourself. In watching film, I do see things that I know I will do differently the next time around.

What was your favorite NFL team while growing up? Derek, Fountain Hills, AZ

I really didn't have a favorite team growing up. I just enjoyed watching football in general. My favorite player was Deion Sanders so I watched alot of his games.

What does your pregame meal consist of? Catzilla, NC

Chicken fingers with barbeque sauce.

From high school to now, what is your all-time favorite football memory? Glenda, Columbia, SC

Making the transition from college to professional football.

Now that you have a handle on your position and the coaches are using you in different packages on offence and defense, do you sit in on any of the offensive film study or do you just practice a play here and there during practice? TrueD East Bend, NC

No, I don't participate in film study with the offense, but I do practice with them on certain plays.

In home games from time to time, I see defensive players pumping their arms up and down to get the crowd fired up. When the crowd responds by making that extra noise, does it help pump up the defense even more? Fooz, Sumter, SC

Yeah, keep bringing the noise. It hypes us up, but it also helps to distract some of the guys on offense.

Are you relieved after the "Madden curse" (believed to hurt the career of anyone who appears on the cover of Madden Football) was broken last year by a defensive player, since you are obviously a cover-worthy player? Or did you think it was nonsense to begin with? Wild Bill, Fresno, CA

The Madden curse was just out there to keep people talking. Everybody wanted to see who the next cover-guy was because of the curse. I'm not superstitious so I thought it was nonsense from the beginning.

 

I just don't see these responses coming from Pepper's mouth. They're too clean or something. I mean gramatically.

 

Anybody notice the new start page on panthers.com . . Still sucks but it is better then B4

 

That's exactly what I was thinking. He isnt dumb, but he isnt the best speaker in the world. They do look well edited. I don't know anyone who can talk that smoothly.

 

They definitely air-brushed that one

 

You mean, I'm not the only one?