When Julius Peppers signed a three-year $26 million contract with the Green Bay Packers in the offseason, there was some concern where there would be enough gas left in his 34-year-old tank.

With an interception returned for a touchdown in Thursday's Packers victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Peppers proved he's not running on empty.

In a 13-year professional career filled with many memorable moments, it wasn't Peppers' longest return, but it was just as memorable.

"It's at the top," said Peppers. "It was nice I actually scored on it."

The moment came in the second quarter with the Vikings already behind by 14 points, trying to play catch-up to the highly-motivated Packers.

Following a defensive penalthy that gave the Vikings a first-and-5 from their own 39-yard line, Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder dropped back to pass, looking to move the sticks.

Rookie defensive lineman Luther Robinson, promoted from the Packers' practice squad mere hours earlier, pressured Ponder, hitting him just as released the football and affecting its flight.

While his teammates were responsible for the pass rush that particular play, Peppers dropped into coverage and grabbed the off-target pass.

"I don't know if he saw me or not, but I was in that zone that he threw in, and I just caught the ball," said Peppers.

Gaining possession of the football at midfield, Peppers picked his way through the trash and took the ball up the left sideline 49 yards to paydirt.

Peppers attributes part of the success to the rush the Packers generated on Ponder early and often. By official count, the Packers put 16 hits on the Vikings quarterback and racked up six sacks.

"I don't know if we're in (Ponder's) head," said Peppers. "I thought we came out, we got a lot of hits on him early. We got a lot of pressure on him, and I think it affected him a little bit."

Peppers, himself, made three tackles and was credited for half a sack.

The interception, however, was notable for the rarefied air Peppers entered on Thursday evening.

"I thought Julius played well from what I saw," said Packers coach Mike McCarthy. "I think the record that he set tonight is unique, the first player in the history of the National Football League to have 10 interceptions and 100 sacks. I think that's a great indication of what a special player he is."

Notice McCarthy's use of the present tense verb "is," not "was."

Five games into the 2014 season Peppers is still one of the best defensive players in the NFL. The Packers can only hope he continues his high level of play not only for the rest of the season, but for years to come.