Peterson retires with Cards, 'where my legacy is'
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Josh Weinfuss
TEMPE, Ariz. — While acknowledging his 10-year tenure with the Arizona Cardinals ended acrimoniously in 2020, Patrick Peterson said Monday it was a “no-brainer” to retire with the franchise.
Peterson, 34, was back in Arizona’s headquarters Monday to officially announce the end of his 13-year career that began as the fifth-overall pick in 2011.
“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.”
“I’m announcing that I am retiring a Cardinal officially.” pic.twitter.com/1rw3UJsaQk
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) April 14, 2025
With his wife, two daughters, mother, father, closest friends and former teammates in attendance, Peterson watched a highlight video before taking the stage with owner Michael Bidwill in the team meeting room. With each sitting on high stools, Peterson thanked Bidwill, his former teammates, mentors, the equipment staff, the video staff and other members of the Cardinals organization.
Future Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald was in the front row, as was recently re-signed Cardinal Calais Campbell and former Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson. Also in attendance were former teammates Jay Feely, Drew Stanton, Adrian Wilson, Andre Roberts, Dennis Gardeck and Budda Baker. Current Cardinals Trey McBride, Jalen Thompson and Garrett Williams were also in attendance.
“You guys kept me going each and every day,” Peterson said. “You guys kept me going. You guys lit that fire in me and made it so, so joyful to come to work each and every day.”
“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.”
