TEMPE, Ariz. — Whereas acknowledging his 10-year tenure with the Arizona Cardinals ended acrimoniously in 2020, Patrick Peterson mentioned Monday it was a “no-brainer” to retire with the franchise.
Peterson, 34, was again in Arizona’s headquarters Monday to formally announce the top of his 13-year profession that started because the fifth-overall choose in 2011.
“My profession is right here, it lives right here,” Peterson mentioned. So, it was a no brainer for me to return again right here to retire the place it began.”
“I am asserting that I’m retiring a Cardinal formally.” pic.twitter.com/1rw3UJsaQk
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 14, 2025
Along with his spouse, two daughters, mom, father, closest associates and former teammates in attendance, Peterson watched a spotlight video earlier than taking the stage with proprietor Michael Bidwill within the crew assembly room. With every sitting on excessive stools, Peterson thanked Bidwill, his former teammates, mentors, the tools workers, the video workers and different members of the Cardinals group.
Future Corridor of Famer Larry Fitzgerald was within the entrance row, as was lately re-signed Cardinal Calais Campbell and former Cardinals security Tony Jefferson. Additionally in attendance had been former teammates Jay Feely, Drew Stanton, Adrian Wilson, Andre Roberts, Dennis Gardeck and Budda Baker. Present Cardinals Trey McBride, Jalen Thompson and Garrett Williams had been additionally in attendance.
“You guys stored me going each day,” Peterson mentioned. “You guys stored me going. You guys lit that fireside in me and made it so, so joyful to return to work each day.”
“There was a whole lot of issues mentioned. It wasn’t the best departure, however on the finish of the day, that is the place my legacy is. That is the place my legacy began.”
Patrick Peterson, on his determination to retire with Cardinals
Peterson mentioned he needed to be remembered as a “fierce competitor” who introduced “pleasure to the sport” but in addition “uplifted” his teammates.
The method of Peterson returning to Arizona to retire as a Cardinal started after the Tremendous Bowl in February. After not enjoying in 2024, Peterson determined to hold it up for good. Whereas in Arizona for a golf outing, he had lunch with Bidwill, the place the 2 hashed out some lasting emotions, together with the cornerback’s request for a commerce in 2018 that he rapidly retracted, and feedback Peterson made in regards to the group whereas a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.
“We had a chance to amend a few of the issues that was form of on the market that we wanted to iron out,” Peterson mentioned. “And we did that. We moved ahead, we shook palms, we hugged, took footage, and now we’re right here making it official as an Arizona Cardinal.”
Peterson added: “There was a whole lot of issues mentioned. It wasn’t the best departure, however on the finish of the day, that is the place my legacy is. That is the place my legacy began.”
Bidwill mentioned he talked about the concept of retiring Peterson’s No. 21 when the cornerback left Arizona 5 years in the past, however Peterson mentioned Monday that earlier than it occurs, he desires Larry Fitzgerald’s quantity to be retired first.
“We wanted to do that first,” Peterson mentioned. “He informed me I am in line. I do know I can not go earlier than Fitzy. I did inform him that I don’t need to go earlier than Fitzy. So, at any time when that occurs, it will likely be after him.”
The eight-time Professional Bowler and three-time, first-team All-Professional, nonetheless, made it clear he may nonetheless play — he simply does not need to anymore. He mentioned he has been having fun with spending extra time along with his household, touring and {golfing} with associates.
Over the previous yr, he has accepted his soccer mortality.
“On the finish of the day, I had an amazing 13-year profession,” he mentioned. “There is no regrets. And, my spouse, we talked about this ever since I wasn’t in a position to be picked up final yr, I am completely effective with my determination. I am very, very completely satisfied the place I am at in life and my profession. “My cement is dry now, so now it is in God’s palms if I did sufficient to be the place I actually need to be on the finish of my profession and that is soccer heaven.”
Peterson, who now lives on the East Coast, desires to enter the media panorama as an on-air persona and do what he can to assist Arizona win an NFL title.
“I need to get behind the digital camera and be capable of specific my ideas, enter, with the ability to give the followers, the viewers, one thing that they could not know in regards to the sport,” Peterson mentioned. “So, that is what I need to do.”
