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On Wednesday they proved it through the ballot box, voting Peppers a defensive team captain.

"It's a tribute to what he has done here. He's been the face of the defense for what, eight years now," said linebacker Jon Beason, voted the other defensive captain. "I think guys know that he's a quiet leader, but he takes care of his job. I think looking at it, making him team captain is saying, 'Look, we expect you to play like that.'"

Peppers had a career-high 14½ sacks last season in the final year of his contract. He soon pleaded with the Panthers to let him leave in free agency. He said he had "maxed out" in Carolina and wanted to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

The Panthers still placed the franchise tag on him, which included a one-year deal for an NFL-high $16.7 million. After skipping all offseason workouts, Peppers finally signed the tender.

He showed up to training camp on time and hasn't missed a practice while mostly avoiding reporters.

"I think his teammates know him a lot better than maybe the media does," coach John Fox said. "I think it says a lot about who he really is when your teammates vote you a captain."

Quarterback Jake Delhomme and tackle Jordan Gross were voted offensive captains. Kicker John Kasay got the nod for special teams.