It surprised many when Julius Peppers announced he’d return for the 2016 season at age 36, to finish out his three-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. What might we reasonably expect of this 6-7, 287-pound defensive end converted to linebacker?
Statistics tell us that pass rushers are often productive well into their 30s. The Packers have first-hand experience with this, as the NFL’s all-time seasonal leader in sacks when 36 or older is Reggie White, who in his last year with the team had 16 sacks at age 37. White actually upped his sack numbers, from 8.5 and 11 in the prior two seasons.
White was 35 when the Packers won the Super Bowl in 1996.
After a year away from the game he joined the Carolina Panthers at age 40 and still managed 5.5 sacks.
Trailing White on this list, with 15 sacks, are then San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chris Doleman (also at 37) and then Carolina Panthers linebacker Kevin Greene (36). Several years later, Greene became an outside linebackers coach for the Packers, serving from 2009 through 2013. He stepped away just as Peppers arrived, saying he hoped to return to coaching when his children go off to college.
Julius is a prime example of the value of superior athleticism. In the last three years, he’s notched 7, 7, and 10.5 sacks, despite reduced playing time. He’s also had 3.5 sacks in four post-season games with the Packers.
His tackle totals in the last three years have been 45, 54, and 36.
Another Peppers’ strength is his health. Over the last 13 years, he’s missed only two games, both in 2007.
Make no mistake: this is Peppers’ last and best chance at a Super Bowl victory. He’ll be motivated.
If he can tack on one more fine year, he just might share the pleasure of hoisting the Lombardi trophy with White.