Julius Peppers praises Packers teammate Clay Matthews

No, Julius Peppers isn’t the player he once was, but now playing alongside dominate defenders like Clay Matthews, the former Pro Bowl talent can’t contain his excitement.

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Peppers, who previously played for the divisional rival Chicago Bears had his choice of suitors this offseason, but opted to remain in the division so he had a chance to play with players like Matthews.

“I haven’t really played with a guy like Clay, really, my whole career,” Peppers said, via ESPN Wisconsin’s Jason Wilde. “Early in my career I played with a guy, Mike Rucker, who was a threat on the other side. But like, a really dominant player on the outside? I really haven’t had that — ever. I’m excited to get out there with him and see what he can do.”

It’s an understandable sentiment for Peppers who hasn’t been fortunate enough to play alongside fellow premier defenders for the vast majority of his career. He certainly would have been something to see had he had a player talented as he coming from the other side.

Of course, Peppers will need a career resurgence if he’s to return to his former glory but playing alongside such talent will only help make that lofty goal somewhat of a possibility.

As for Matthews, who is recovering from offseason surgery, he seems quite excited about his role this year too, suggesting the addition of the new talent will give the Packers a much needed shot in the arm.

“With the plans they see me having this year and the type of player they see me becoming, I think it’s great the changes that we’re putting in — not only with the personnel, (but also) the scheme,” Matthews explained. “I’m really looking forward to it. I think it’s a shot in the arm and will provide kind of a little rejuvenation to this team, especially to the defensive side of this locker room.”

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