On Tuesday, 8-time Pro Bowler and Arizona Cardinals legend, Patrick Peterson announced his retirement from the NFL. Peterson confirmed his departure from professional football during a reception hosted by the Cardinals.
Peterson spent ten seasons with the Cardinals, during which time he earned first-team All-Pro honors three times and was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade team.
“I am announcing that I am retiring as a Cardinal,” Peterson said. “This is where it all started. I felt that it was only right for me to end my journey where it started.”
Peterson’s return to Arizona to retire as a Cardinal means more than just a player wanting to finish his career where it began. His impact on the Arizona community goes beyond the field. Peterson impacted the community in many ways during his time in the desert.
Peterson is certified as a Cardinal legend. His impact on the team and teammates is stamped as an everlasting untouchable legacy.
Cardinals owner, Michael Bidwill conducted the event. He spoke about how the Cardinals were prepared to pass on Tyrann Mathieu until Peterson stepped in and guaranteed he would be there for Mathieu’s transition to the NFL.
Before the event began, a tribute video of Peterson’s career played out. Mathieu made an appearance in the video, singing praises of Peterson.
“It was remarkable man,” Peterson said. “That’s what I played the game for. To be able to leave an impact on other people’s lives. Not only my teammates but the community as well.”
Peterson was heavily involved in charity work, founding his own organization during his time with the Cardinals. The “Patrick Peterson Foundation For Success” focuses on providing for low-income and inner-city youth. With programs like “Patrick’s Corner,” Peterson made waves in the Arizona community for his dedication to his work.
“[I want to be remembered] as a fierce competitor. A guy who not only brought joy to the game, but had the ability to uplift his teammates,” Peterson said. “I always took pride in leading by example and doing everything the right way. Having an honor about the game. I feel like I did that to the best of my ability.”
And to the best of his abilities, he did exactly that. Peterson leaves behind an outstanding Arizona legacy despite a rocky departure from the Cardinals in 2020. His exit from the team was a nasty one but Peterson called returning to Arizona to retire a “no-brainer” choice.
“There were a lot of things said. It wasn’t the greatest departure,” Peterson said. “But at the end of the day, this is where my legacy is. This is where my legacy started. Being able to achieve some of the things I achieved as an Arizona Cardinal, only so many people had the opportunity to do that. My career is here. It lives here.”
Peterson’s next steps in life include a potential venture into the media world and possibly finding other ways outside of playing to help the Cardinals win a championship.
As Peterson steps away from the game, one can only reflect on such a legendary career. Through all the good and not-so-good moments, Peterson’s playing career now rests exactly where it belongs.
Etched in Arizona Cardinal history forever.
