Julius Peppers talks future, potential retirement

Green Bay Packers v Philadelphia Eagles

Green Bay Packers linebacker Julius Peppers isn’t sure about his future just yet.

The 36-year-old linebacker has been a force for the Packers this season, tallying 6.5 sacks through 12 games and recently becoming fifth all-time on the NFL sacks list.

When asked by USA Today‘s Ryan Wood, though, Peppers revealed he isn’t thinking about the future much:

“I’m not saying that I don’t want to play next year,” Peppers said. “I’m not saying that I do. I’m just saying that right now, I don’t know. And I’ll figure it out at some point.

“There’s a lot of things that can happen between now and February.”

He went on to say much of it might come down to opportunity, considering his deal expires after this season:

“It’s all about how I feel,” Peppers said. “How one feels, and having a purpose to do it. Obviously, you know what the purpose is — the Super Bowl and all that stuff — but even without that. What’s the purpose? If the season ends, I don’t have a contract obviously, and if nobody calls and nobody says anything — which I don’t think will be the case — but I’ve got to sit back and figure out if I really want to play and if I do, why? And I don’t know. I don’t know.

Peppers is right—it’s hard to imagine teams won’t come calling for his services. He also admitted in the interview he knows what he wants to do after his playing days conclude.

At this pace, age is but a number with Peppers. He has posted three strong years in Green Bay and hasn’t hinted at slowing. So long as his body keeps holding up, teams will keep him around.

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