And, he's also been chosen for the lead role in "Sins of Ashe County," a civil rights movie scheduled to begin filming this year. Minter told the Charlotte Observer he's dabbling in acting, but wasn't something he focused on doing when he retired in 2007.

"That wasn't even on the radar screen," Minter told the Charlotte Observer. "It was the furthest thing from my mind."

Minter's first love is coaching. He's the head football coach at First Assembly Christian School in Concord. His team went 12-2 record last season and earned the first conference championship in school history.

Minter's former teammate Dan Morgan has opened two restaurants in the Charlotte area.

--The Panthers are expected to have their first three-day minicamp the weekend after the NFL draft in Charlotte.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Julius is great guy to be around. He was a good guy in the locker room and one of the greatest players I have ever played with. If he's not back in a Panther uniform he will be extremely missed. (But) I'm not mad that he wants to go elsewhere. He has to do what's best for him and his career. At the end of the day you have to do what's best for you and in your (own) best interest. So if he is not here next season I wish him nothing but the best and continued success." --Panthers SS Chris Harris on DE Julius Peppers.