TEMPE, Ariz. — Whereas acknowledging his 10-year tenure with the Arizona Cardinals ended acrimoniously in 2020, Patrick Peterson stated 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 stated. So, it was a no brainer for me to return again right here to retire the place it began.”
“I am saying that I’m retiring a Cardinal formally.” pic.twitter.com/1rw3UJsaQk
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 14, 2025
Together with his spouse, two daughters, mom, father, closest buddies 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 gear workers, the video workers and different members of the Cardinals group.
Future Corridor of Famer Larry Fitzgerald was within the entrance row, as was just 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 saved me going each day,” Peterson stated. “You guys saved me going. You guys lit that fireplace in me and made it so, so joyful to return to work each day.”
“There was a whole lot of issues stated. 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 stated 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 taking part in 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 shortly retracted, and feedback Peterson made concerning the group whereas a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 2022.
“We had a chance to amend a number of the issues that was type of on the market that we would have liked to iron out,” Peterson stated. “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 stated. 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 stated he talked about the concept of retiring Peterson’s No. 21 when the cornerback left Arizona 5 years in the past, however Peterson stated Monday that earlier than it occurs, he desires Larry Fitzgerald’s quantity to be retired first.
“We would have liked to do that first,” Peterson stated. “He instructed me I am in line. I do know I can not go earlier than Fitzy. I did inform him that I don’t wish to go earlier than Fitzy. So, every time 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 would not wish to anymore. He stated he has been having fun with spending extra time together with his household, touring and {golfing} with buddies.
Over the previous yr, he has accepted his soccer mortality.
“On the finish of the day, I had an incredible 13-year profession,” he stated. “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 fantastic with my determination. I am very, very blissful 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 wish 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 wish to get behind the digicam and be capable to categorical my ideas, enter, having the ability to give the followers, the viewers, one thing that they could not know concerning the sport,” Peterson stated. “So, that is what I wish to do.”
