On his first practices as a Panther: "It's been really good. I'm happy to be back on the field again playing the game I love. Good teammates here – the first day I came in they welcomed me with open arms. They went somewhere last year where I want to be. They still have that momentum and want to get back to the Super Bowl."

On joining the Panthers after playing for Atlanta: "It's crazy. I played against these guys for a couple years. It's a competitive group, and now being here with them, I can see why they were always such a tough team."

On his fast friendship with Star Lotulelei: "It's just a Polynesian thing. I've know Star going back to Utah, and a lot of Utah boys like to stick together. We have a connection, we're always going to click together."

On Carolina having the best DT group in the NFL: "I think we can. We've got some great defensive tackles here. I'm going on Year 10 and I see the way they work. They've been somewhere I'm trying to go, and I just want to do whatever I can to help."