Sucks to be a Star, right? Not really, keeping all in perspective.

[top dawg]

Star Lotulelei is looking to rise a little bit. As David Newton points out, Star is in many ways overlooked. 

"When Carolina held a joint practice with Spartanburg High on Thursday, the high school players walked past him to Short and other more high profile players."

Even more diehard fans on the Huddle arguably see Star as a space-eater, using the term like a qualifier or in an apologetic sense. Fair enough, but when he was drafted, many expected more. And though D. Newton said there is nothing wrong with serving that function, the problem is that Star wants more. 

“Even though I play mainly inside at the nose position, I want to be more productive out of that position and make more plays,” Lotulelei said. “Sacks, tackles, whatever it is, I just want to have a bigger impact.”

 

Star is a reserved guy, so this makes him somewhat difficult to read, but to me it doesn't sound like he's too happy  being labeled as a space-eater, and all that comes in with it---or not. Sure, he realizes that this function is appreciated by the Panthers inasmuch as what they say, but he also realizes that he will probably not get appreciation in terms of dollar bills, first and foremost, and fan recognition unless he can step it up. And it sounds like that's what he wants. 

I can't help but wonder how his ability to step it up or not will affect his contract status. Will Dave Gettleman pay him a solid contract for his work as a space-eater thus far? Will Star balk at re-upping with the Panthers if he has an outstanding season, or a season that is personally unfulfilled for whatever reasons, looking for better proving grounds?

Questions aside, a healthy and motivated Star should be a great thing for the upcoming season. I can't wait to see him rise.

[The NFL Shield At Midfield]

some other quotes from the article

Quote

 

“It’s big not only for the contract, but just to contribute to the defense,” Lotulelei said. “We’re trying to be the best. We’re starting this thing over from going to the Super Bowl.

“You’ve got to go out there and earn your money, but for me it’s bigger than that. I’ve got to be better.”

 

Quote

 

But Lotulelei is appreciated, at least by his teammates. Coach Ron Rivera has said repeatedly during training camp how what Lotulelei does inside helps makes those around him better.

“It’s underappreciated by those who don’t really understand, but my teammates get it, my coaches get it,” Lotulelei said.

 

[PandaPancake]

I've travelled into the future and have seen what happens to Sanchez with a pissed off Star and KK

[PhillyB]

imagine star kony and kk both having career years at the same time 

[pantherfan49]

18 minutes ago, PhillyB said:

imagine star kony and kk both having career years at the same time 

or all 3 of them even

[Ja Rhule]

21 minutes ago, PhillyB said:

imagine star kony and kk both having career years at the same time 

 

[The_Rainmaker]

6 minutes ago, ARSEN said:

 

The addition of Paul Solia & Butler willl help Star get more 1-1 matchup and keep him fresh.  I could see him having a 5-6 sacks this  season. 

[Kakarot]

Star, like 2pacs mama, you are appreciated.

[csx]

I think flying below the radar suits him just fine.

[pantherfan49]

6 hours ago, csx said:

I think flying below the radar suits him just fine.

things that big are always picked up by the radar.