GLENDALE – 13-year NFL veteran and Arizona Cardinals legend cornerback Patrick Peterson announced on Friday that he’ll be hanging up his cleats and retiring from the NFL, signing a one-day contract to retire as a Cardinal. Peterson grew up in Blanche Ely, Florida, and was a football prodigy, making it to LSU and becoming an All-American. His collegiate career made him the no. 1 ranked corner in the 2011 draft, where he went fifth overall to the Arizona Cardinals, becoming an instant legend.
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November 27, 2011; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) celebrates after St. Louis Rams kicker Josh Brown (not pictured) missed a 50 yard field goal in the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Arizona defeated St. Louis 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s Schefter announcing Peterson retiring with the Cardinals:
In Peterson’s rookie season, he tied the NFL record for the most punt returns in a single season, with four, including the iconic game-winning punt return touchdown against the St. Louis Rams.
In his rookie year, Peterson was selected to the All-Pro team, which he would be named three times during his time with the Cardinals. In 10 years with Arizona, Peterson was an eight-time Pro Bowler and recorded 28 interceptions, the sixth most in franchise history. Throughout the 34-year-old’s career, he was widely considered the best cornerback in the game and helped lead the Cardinals to an NFC championship appearance in 2015.
Nov 15, 2020; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson (21) celebrates in the second half against the Buffalo Bills at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Peterson left the Valley in the 2021 offseason, signing with the Minnesota Vikings. His time in Minnesota was successful, playing 30 games and producing six interceptions and 20 pass deflections. He would play his last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 before being unsigned during the 2024 offseason.
Friday’s announcement is bittersweet as Arizona fans say goodbye to the greatest defensive back in the franchise’s 21st century, and will soon be the 20th member of the Cardinals Ring of Honor.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
