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Carolina Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad doesn't suggest that his physical skills match those of his younger years, but he's far from ready to talk about retirement.
"I think I still have some good, good years of football in me," Muhammad, 36, said Tuesday. "You get what you get with me. I'm going to be a great blocker. I'm going to catch some tough balls. I'm going to make some big plays here and there, and just go out and play with a lot of fun and enthusiasm."
Muhammad had his best game of the season in Sunday's 28-19 win against Atlanta, catching six passes for 91 yards, including 21- and 22-yard receptions on the Panthers' first touchdown drive.
That followed a two-game absence while he recovered from a sprained knee. Prior to the injury, he hadn't had more than 51 yards receiving in any game or caught a pass of 20 yards or more.
Muhammad's early season statistics reflected the Panthers' overall struggles with their passing attack, which included 13 interceptions by quarterback Jake Delhomme in the first six games.
Through the difficulty, questions arose about Muhammad's ability to get separation from defenders on deep passes and about his validity as a No.2 receiving option next to Steve Smith, who's been facing constant double teams all season.
But against the Falcons, Muhammad had a splendid performance. He said he remains confident in his skills.
"I still know how to get open," he said. "I'm still a factor on this team, a factor on this offense. I'm always available when they're ready to throw the ball."
Delhomme said it was nice to have Muhammad back last week.
"He made some big plays for us, some big third downs (in) very aggressive, typical Moose fashion - exactly what you expect from him," said Delhomme.
On the touchy subject of how much ability Muhammad has lost from his younger years, Delhomme deferred the question.
"He would be the one to better tell you, 'Hey, maybe I can't do this,'" Delhomme said of Muhammad. "But he might tell you he can't do it, but really (he) can. Moose is not a dummy."
The Panthers picked Muhammad in the second round of the receiver-rich 1996 draft with the 43rd overall pick. The five receivers taken in the first round all are out of the NFL now - Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, Eddie Kennison, Marvin Harrison and Eric Moulds.
Muhammad and Buffalo's Terrell Owens are the only receivers still playing from the '96 draft. This month, Kansas City released Bobby Engram from that class.
Delhomme said Muhammad's career is especially notable because of the physical way he plays, especially as a blocker.
"It's one thing to take some licks, but this guy is banging each and every play, so it's a credit to him for the way he takes care of himself," said Delhomme. "Really, it's a team attitude with him. He gives up his body."
Muhammad said he'd never had a knee injury before suffering a medial collateral ligament sprain in Carolina's 20-9 loss to Buffalo on Oct.25.
"I'm blessed it wasn't really serious," said Muhammad, noting that he returned two to four weeks earlier than usual for that type of injury. "Either I'm a fast healer or like super-lucky."
Muhammad said he's lasted 14 seasons despite not getting surgery to repair a torn hamstring during his rookie season.
"It obviously hasn't hurt me too bad," he said. "I've been a blessed man."
Unlike some athletes who refuse to acknowledge any decline in their abilities, regardless of their age, Muhammad didn't shrink back when asked to give a self-assessment of his game now compared to his prime.
His best season was 2004 when he caught 93 passes for 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has yet to score this year.
"I was probably a little faster when I was younger," he said.
"I would say (I'm) probably a lot more patient (now). I think I play with the same kind of intensity and fire that I did before. Maybe (I'm) a little bit lighter."
Muhammad, whose contract expires after this season, said he plans to continue playing "until the wheels fall off."
"I'll just let my body and probably management or teams tell me when it's time to quit," he said.
"If you can do it, do it. If not, then it's time to hang it up."
