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nutmeged3 · 08-08-2007, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson used Mike Minter's retirement news conference Tuesday to challenge defensive end Julius Peppers to take charge of the defense in Minter's place.

"This is the way you're supposed to conduct yourself," Richardson said of Minter. "And because it's taught, there's no better way to learn than to observe. Julius, you're coming up. This is your time to step up. And I'm not talking about running and sacking, I'm talking about leadership. This is your time."

The 33-year-old Minter quit due to chronic knee pain after serving as Carolina's defensive captain all five years under coach John Fox.

Minter also challenged Peppers when he announced he was retiring at a team meeting.

"I said, 'Pep, this is your defense now,' " Minter said. "And I'm not talking about breaking the sacks record. I'm talking about taking four, five or six other guys with you. That's what true leadership is all about."

While he is considered one of the top defensive ends in the game, the quiet Peppers rarely speaks on the field or to reporters. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Peppers is also in line for a contract extension and a big raise.

"I think the message is, Mike is passing the baton," Fox said. "There are a lot of candidates and Julius is obviously one of them."

Minter also challenged tackle Jordan Gross to lead the offense, and marveled how receiver Steve Smith has matured.

"I told him how proud I was of him," Minter said of Smith. "I saw him grow up. I saw him come in as a young guy that had an issue with everybody, to a guy that now understands that it's bigger than him."

LINK

Peppers is really quiet so I don't know how well he's going to do in that role but it's his 6th year in the league it's his time to take over

**BeastJacobs** · 08-08-2007, 11:37 AM

He can definitely be a leader, one of the best DE's in the league just needs to be more vocal with Minter retiring.

**RoyWilliams** · 08-08-2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutmeged3

LINK

Peppers is really quiet so I don't know how well he's going to do in that role but it's his 6th year in the league it's his time to take over

With the contract he is about to take on, he had better step up and be a leader.

nutmeged3 · 08-08-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyWilliams

With the contract he is about to take on, he had better step up and be a leader.

I just can't WAIT for us to give him more then Freeney!

He's worth it but we can't afford for him to go into another one of his slumps that he goes through every year.

**RoyWilliams** · 08-08-2007, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nutmeged3

I just can't WAIT for us to give him more then Freeney!

He's worth it but we can't afford for him to go into another one of his slumps that he goes through every year.

Hes definitely worth it. Plus he plays the run and the pass. It sucks that they set the market so high, but it is what it is.

**falconstorm** · 08-08-2007, 02:03 PM

Peppers will step up as the leader, and he is a great player as well.

**Serrated Shadow** · 08-08-2007, 02:08 PM

I'm hoping, he's on some of my fantasy teams!

Seriously though, the Panthers need to have a good season, or Fox is gone.

**falconstorm** · 08-08-2007, 02:27 PM

yeah that is what I am thinking, bad season and good by Fox. IMO he is a great coach.

**Professor** · 08-08-2007, 09:20 PM

when was peppers not a leader of that defense?

**RoyWilliams** · 08-08-2007, 09:47 PM

The article explains what they meant.

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