What Jabrill Peppers said about his surprising release from Patriots

Jabrill Peppers spoke to the media on Wednesday for the primary time since he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The 29-year-old former Patriots captain was released by New England in a shocking transfer on cutdown day final month. Peppers had simply signed a contract extension with the workforce final yr.

“It’s what it’s, generally you’re not ok,” Peppers stated in a video posted to YouTube by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “You play a very long time on this league, , you’re going to get traded or minimize.”

“It’s what it’s. I’m joyful [Mike] Tomlin made the decision. He’s undoubtedly a coach that I stated I wished to play for earlier than I retire, and it simply occurred rather a lot earlier than I assumed. I’m joyful to be right here.”

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel didn’t elaborate a lot when requested why New England launched Peppers when requested final month, aside from saying that it was what “we felt like was in the best interest of the team.” Vrabel stated he had numerous respect for Peppers and that it was a troublesome determination.

Now Peppers is about to return to Foxborough as an opponent when Pittsburgh visits the Patriots subsequent Sunday.

“Traditionally there’s all the time been a terrific protection right here,” Peppers stated of his option to signal with Pittsburgh. “There’s all the time been nice continuity on the head teaching place. Nice custom. So, it was a no brainer for me.”

Peppers missed all however six video games final season after touchdown on the commissioner’s exempt record throughout an assault and battery trial he was in the end acquitted in.

New England opted for a reset on the two security spots, reducing Peppers and benching longtime starter Kyle Dugger. They went with rookie Craig Woodson and veteran Jaylinn Hawkins because the starters for Sunday’s Week 1 loss to the Raiders.

Peppers stated is new function in Pittsburgh will depend upon how shortly he can study Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme.

“It’s mainly on me, how briskly I can decide up the protection,” Peppers stated. “That’s simply on me to be an expert, get within the playbook, and attempt to decide it up as quick as I can so I can attempt to get on the market and assist this ball membership win some soccer video games.”

Peppers is assured that he’ll match proper in as soon as he will get on top of things.

“I feel it’s a terrific match,” Peppers stated. “It’s just a bit various things than I’m used to doing, so simply bought to lock in on the small print, get on the market and shake the rust off. So, I ought to be alright.”

Khari A. Thompson

Sports activities Reporter

Khari Thompson covers skilled sports activities for Boston.com. Earlier than becoming a member of the workforce in 2022, Khari lined faculty soccer for The Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.