Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Peterson is officially hanging up his cleats—and he’s doing it as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. The eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback returned to the team’s facility Monday to announce his retirement after a 13-year NFL career. While his departure from Arizona in 2020 came with tension, Peterson said choosing to retire as a Cardinal was “a no-brainer.”
“My career is here, it lives here,” Peterson said. “So, it was a no-brainer for me to come back here to retire where it all started.”
A Ceremony Full of Familiar Faces
Peterson, 34, was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and played 10 seasons in Arizona. At the retirement ceremony, he sat beside team owner Michael Bidwill and thanked former teammates, coaches, staff, and family members for supporting his journey.
The event drew a crowd of notable names, including Larry Fitzgerald, Calais Campbell, Tony Jefferson, Jay Feely, Adrian Wilson, Drew Stanton, Andre Roberts, Dennis Gardeck, and Budda Baker. Current players like Trey McBride, Jalen Thompson, and Garrett Williams were also in attendance.
“You guys kept me going each and every day,” Peterson said. “You guys lit that fire in me and made it so, so joyful to come to work each and every day.”
Making Peace With the Past
Peterson said his decision to retire as a Cardinal started taking shape after the Super Bowl in February. During a golf outing in Arizona, he met with Bidwill for lunch. The two addressed past issues—such as Peterson’s 2018 trade request and comments he made while playing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2022—and cleared the air.
“We had an opportunity to amend some of the things that was kind of out there that we needed to iron out,” Peterson said. “And we did that. We moved forward, we shook hands, we hugged, took pictures, and now we are here making it official as an Arizona Cardinal.”
Though he admitted the departure wasn’t perfect, Peterson emphasized the importance of finishing where his legacy began.
“There was a lot of things said. It wasn’t the greatest departure, but at the end of the day, this is where my legacy is. This is where my legacy started,” Peterson said.
Legacy on the Field
Peterson ends his NFL career with eight Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors. Though he didn’t play in 2024, he said he still felt physically able to compete but chose to step away on his own terms.
“At the end of the day, I had a great 13-year career,” Peterson said. “There’s no regrets. And, my wife, we talked about this ever since I wasn’t able to be picked up last year, I’m perfectly fine with my decision. I’m very, very happy where I’m at in life and my career. “My cement is dry now, so now it’s in God’s hands if I did enough to be where I really want to be at the end of my career and that’s football heaven.”
Waiting His Turn for a Jersey Retirement
Bidwill had previously brought up the idea of retiring Peterson’s No. 21, but Peterson said Monday that he wants to wait until Larry Fitzgerald’s number is honored first.
“We needed to do this first,” he said. “He told me I’m in line. I know I cannot go before Fitzy. I did tell him that I do not want to go before Fitzy. So, whenever that happens, it will be after him.”
What’s Next: Life After Football
Peterson, who now lives on the East Coast, said he’s enjoying more time with his family, traveling, and playing golf. He’s also planning to transition into broadcasting, where he hopes to bring fans deeper insight into the game.
“I want to get behind the camera and be able to express my thoughts, input, being able to give the fans, the viewers, something that they may not know about the game,” he said. “So, that’s what I want to do.”
Related Content: Top 20 NFL Draft Prospects: Will Campbell
This report used information from ESPN.
