Following the Green Bay Packers’ emotional and heartbreaking 26-20 overtime loss against the Arizona Cardinals last night, Julius Peppers has been left with many questions. He has to make a decision about whether he will play another season, which is not an easy decision to make with that kind of emotion.
Peppers was asked about his future in an interview and it was obvious that he has no idea what he’ll do.
“We’ll talk about that when it’s time,” Peppers said. “I can’t explain it emotionally right now.”
Green Bay is likely hoping that Peppers will return, as he has one more season left on his contract. He has been a huge part of the Packers’ defense for the past couple of seasons and would be a big part next season as well. Peppers will take a few weeks to calm down and think things through, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him go either way.
Throughout the course of the 2015 NFL season with the Packers, Peppers put up very solid all-around numbers. He recorded 37 tackles, 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Obviously his role with the Green Bay defense has been to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. He did an excellent job of that this season and came through with some clutch plays in the postseason as well. Having that type of experience and leadership on the team is a must for any team looking to win a Super Bowl title.
At 35 years old, it would certainly make sense for Peppers to walk away from the game and start his life after football.
Expect to hear more news about Peppers and the Packers over the next few weeks as the offseason draws closer. Ted Thompson and the Packers will be looking to make a few improvements, but losing Peppers would be a very disappointing start to the offseason.
