Panthers owner Jerry Richardson challenged star defensive end Julius Peppers on Tuesday to step up and become the team?s new defensive leader following the retirement of safety Mike Minter. At the conclusion of Minter?s press conference, Richardson walked up to the podium and looked directly at Peppers, who was sitting in the second row next to Mike Rucker. And then he sent down a very public request ? or, perhaps a demand. ?Julius, you?re coming up,? Richardson said. ?This is your time to step up. And I?m not talking about running and sacking ? I?m talking about leadership. This is your time.? Peppers, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, had no visible reaction and left the room before talking to reporters since he needed to get ready for practice.