Julius Peppers Keep Emotions In Check, Focus In Return To Chicago
By Chris Emma-
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In the unfamiliar visitors' locker room, his new green and yellow No. 56 jersey off to the side, Julius Pepper reveled in the Green Bay Packers' win over his former team Sunday at Soldier Field.
Last spring, Peppers was cut by Chicago, which believed his best football days were in the past and didn't have any interest in the $18 million cap hit it would've suffered to keep him. Green Bay thought otherwise, giving the defensive end a shot as a 3-4 linebacker.
There were no subtle shots or strong words from Peppers toward his former team after Sunday's win. He also held no emotions in returning to Chicago. Peppers maintained the confidence that's contagious in Green Bay, a place he is glad to call home.
"I'm loving it," Peppers said of playing in Green Bay.
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The last memories of Peppers at Soldier Field saw him whiffing on a sack of Aaron Rodgers, allowing the Pro Bowl quarterback to extend a fourth-and-8 long enough to find a wide-open Randall Cobb for the game-winning touchdown, putting the Packers into the playoffs and sending the Bears home late last December. Peppers said last week he would still be a Bear had he sacked Rodgers.
Now, Peppers is on the same team as Rodgers and enjoying every minute of it.
"It's been fun so far," said Peppers. "It's been fun to have him as a teammate."
Peppers' play on the field was quiet, as he recorded just two tackles Sunday. He brought down Matt Forte on the first play from scrimmage, then was greeted by a chorus of boos from the Bears faithful. It was loud and clear, and he heard it.
"I don't care about that," he said. "What do you expect?"
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.