Tweet
Murfreesboro - There was a bit of a shock for Mules fans when they learned that long time Mule Cornelius Gepner had filed for retirement. It took till week 11 but the Mules front office got Cornelius to sign up for 2025. Murfreesboro thought the man who has suited up for the most IFL games ever would be around for another season.
Adam Sparks - So Cornelius can you explain your decision to retire at this time?
Gepner - Yes. It was always my intention to make 24 my last season. But the Mules front office was persistant with the contract offer and my agent finally said I should just sign so that I could concentrate on helping the Mules get into the playoffs again.
AS - So you never had any intention of playing in 25?
CG - No. None. I think deep down GM Kobeck knew I would be playing golf instead of going to my 18th training camp.
AS - Well those contract questions had to be asked. So you leave the IFL having suited up for the most games ever. Tied with fellow kickers Whiting and Clements.
CG - Its an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence with those guys. The stat nerds inform me that I actually suited up for more games than those guys. There were a handful of games where I never had to perform my services (chuckles) And of course I have been in more playoff games than Clements so yes I guess it is true.
AS - Yes. Speaking of that. Tell me about dark times of the Mules past and what it was like going thru those chaotic years.
CG - Well comming from a punter it wont mean as much, but yes it was chaotic when I was drafted in the third round in 08. The Mules had never been above 500 and of course never sniffed the playoffs. We eventually got that turned around and I am glad I was able to be a part of that.
AS - Any regrets?
CG - Missing the playoffs in 11 because Anchorage got a tie in week 15 was hard. We were comming off a AFCS title and had been battling injuries all season. We, as a team, felt that if we could get into the playoffs we could do some positive things. And of course the injury in 12 that ended my season. I would like to think I could have helped down the stretch and in the post season.
AS - What would you like to say to the Mule fans out there
CG - It was a heck of a ride and I was happy to be a part of it. The fans stuck with the team thru the turmoil and chaos and that bond remains to this day.
Adam Sparks - So Cornelius can you explain your decision to retire at this time?
Gepner - Yes. It was always my intention to make 24 my last season. But the Mules front office was persistant with the contract offer and my agent finally said I should just sign so that I could concentrate on helping the Mules get into the playoffs again.
AS - So you never had any intention of playing in 25?
CG - No. None. I think deep down GM Kobeck knew I would be playing golf instead of going to my 18th training camp.
AS - Well those contract questions had to be asked. So you leave the IFL having suited up for the most games ever. Tied with fellow kickers Whiting and Clements.
CG - Its an honor to be mentioned in the same sentence with those guys. The stat nerds inform me that I actually suited up for more games than those guys. There were a handful of games where I never had to perform my services (chuckles) And of course I have been in more playoff games than Clements so yes I guess it is true.
AS - Yes. Speaking of that. Tell me about dark times of the Mules past and what it was like going thru those chaotic years.
CG - Well comming from a punter it wont mean as much, but yes it was chaotic when I was drafted in the third round in 08. The Mules had never been above 500 and of course never sniffed the playoffs. We eventually got that turned around and I am glad I was able to be a part of that.
AS - Any regrets?
CG - Missing the playoffs in 11 because Anchorage got a tie in week 15 was hard. We were comming off a AFCS title and had been battling injuries all season. We, as a team, felt that if we could get into the playoffs we could do some positive things. And of course the injury in 12 that ended my season. I would like to think I could have helped down the stretch and in the post season.
AS - What would you like to say to the Mule fans out there
CG - It was a heck of a ride and I was happy to be a part of it. The fans stuck with the team thru the turmoil and chaos and that bond remains to this day.
Comment