CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Even stars can be awed by other stars.
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly and center Ryan Kalil certainly were when 37-year-old defensive end Julius Peppers rejoined the team that made him the second overall pick of the 2002 draft.
"When he walked in I was like, ‘Man! That’s Julius Peppers!'" Kuechly said after Thursday’s workout.
This is Kalil’s second go-around with Peppers, who left the Panthers after the 2009 season to play for the Bears.
"It’s a weird flashback for me, because I haven’t seen that visor in a while," Kalil said of the signature shaded visor Peppers wears on his helmet.