Carolina Panthers: Why Romo and not Peppers?
If Tony Romo is starting a trend, then there is only one Carolina Panthers player that should be seen on the basketball court.
The Charlotte Hornets and the Carolina Panthers are both not playing right now. Yet there could have been a more direct connection between the two groups. The Dallas Mavericks got permission to dress but not play Tony Romo on their bench for their last home game. Dallas owner Mark Cuban even explored the idea of playing Romo, but was turned down by Duke alum and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
That strange event brings up an interesting question. Which Carolina Panther would you want on a basketball court? If the Charlotte Hornets were to inquire about a similar prospect, who would represent the franchise.
In my mind, there can be only one answer and he just returned to the franchise recently. That would be Julius Peppers, the former two way star from the North Carolina Tar Heels. Peppers was a big part of part of the 1999-2000 Tar Heels and 2000-1 Tar Heels teams. That means that he has seen a Final Four run.
More from Old North Banter
- Carolina Panthers: Secondary battles to watch in training camp 2020
- Carolina Panthers: 2020 training camp kicks off on Tuesday
- NC Colleges Provide Coronavirus Results from Athletic Departments
- Court alleges Zion’s Stepfather received $400k
- UNC Football gets Commitment from Top Cornerback
Peppers even had a big role in that run. He collected his first career double-double during that tournament. He played in the post from off the bench. His best performance was when he came into the Stanford game in the round of thrity-two. Stanford depended on center/forward Mark Madsen, who depended on his ability to set up in the post and bang his way to the basket. He tried to bang his way through Peppers and the end simply refused to budge.
As you would imagine, Peppers could also get up. He had several thunderous dunks, although it is fair to note that Peppers is not likely to anything that isn’t thunderous.
Can he still play at 37? I don’t see why not. Vince Carter, who had a lot more game than Peppers, is now forty and still productive. Besides, we are talking about a scenario where Peppers would be on the court no more than two minutes tops.
Next: Carolina Panthers Preseason Schedule
Keep your eye out for Peppers on the Hornets bench once he reaches the end of his current deal and hangs it up for good.