Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers is not entertaining the idea of retirement – for now. Instead, like the true professional that he has always been in his decorated 16-year career, Peppers would rather focus on this Saturday’s NFC Wild Card tilt on the road against the New Orleans Saints.

Asked about what he thinks of his future with the Panthers and in the NFL as well, Peppers tried to keep the focus on the Saints game, per Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer.

“It’ll be a time to think about that. It’ll be a period of reflection at some point. Right now the focus is on the game this Sunday,” Peppers said. “I’m not really looking past this week as far as future plans.”

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After spending three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Peppers returned to where it all began for him with the Panthers in the offseason, signing a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. The Panthers selected the North Carolina product second overall way back in the 2002 NFL Draft. At 37, Peppers showed he has plenty of gas left in the tank after collecting 11 sacks this year, the 10th time in his career he had double-digit quarterback takedowns in a season.

A nine-time Pro Bowler, Peppers’ place in the Hall of Fame one day is secure regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s contest against the Saints. And if it indeed would be Peppers’ last game of his NFL career, he would retire with at least career totals of 694 tackles and 154.5 sacks.