Green Bay Packers

Mike McCarthy praises Julius Peppers for impact with Packers

Published Sep. 9, 2015 12:35 p.m. ET

foxsports

When the Green Bay Packers picked up Pro Bowl pass-rusher Julius Peppers before last season, no one knew for sure how much gas he had left in the tank.

As it turned out, Peppers had plenty.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy recently praised Peppers for the impact he had on the team in 2014, according to Green Bay's official Twitter account.

Peppers, who played eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers and four with the Chicago Bears before joining the Packers, had one of his finest seasons last year. He ended up starting all 16 games at 3-4 outside linebacker, after playing 4-3 defensive end his entire career.

Although Peppers recorded only 7.0 sacks in 2014, he set new career-highs for pass defenses (11) and forced fumbles (6). He also contributed 44 tackles and two interceptions, both of which he returned for touchdowns.

Now 35 years old and entering his 14th NFL season, the Packers hope Peppers can replicate this production at least one more time.

(h/t Green Bay Packers)