Patrick Peterson, 8-time Professional Bowl CB, retires as Cardinal

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 decide 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

Along with his spouse, two daughters, mom, father, closest mates and former teammates in attendance, Peterson watched a spotlight video earlier than taking the stage with proprietor Michael Bidwill within the group assembly room. With every sitting on excessive stools, Peterson thanked Bidwill, his former teammates, mentors, the gear employees, the video employees 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 have 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 have been additionally in attendance.

“You guys saved me going each day,” Peterson stated. “You guys saved me going. You guys lit that fireside in me and made it so, so joyful to return to work each day.”

“There was numerous 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 choice to retire with Cardinals

Peterson stated he needed to be remembered as a “fierce competitor” who introduced “pleasure to the sport” but additionally “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 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 few of the issues that was sort 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 numerous 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 needs 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, each time that occurs, will probably 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 along with his household, touring and {golfing} with mates.

Over the previous yr, he has accepted his soccer mortality.

“On the finish of the day, I had an ideal 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 advantageous with my choice. I am very, very glad 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, needs to enter the media panorama as an on-air character and do what he can to assist Arizona win an NFL title.

“I wish to get behind the digicam and be capable to specific my ideas, enter, having the ability to give the followers, the viewers, one thing that they might not know concerning the recreation,” Peterson stated. “So, that is what I wish to do.”