UST IN: Patrick Peterson Announces Retirement, Will Finish Career with Arizona Cardinals
April 12, 2025 – CBS News Sports Desk
Eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday at the age of 34, bringing an end to a decorated career that spanned 13 seasons. In a move that brought closure and sentimentality to fans and franchise alike, Peterson revealed he will retire as a member of the Arizona Cardinals—the team that drafted him fifth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.
Peterson, known for his elite coverage skills, explosive athleticism, and leadership on and off the field, played 10 seasons in Arizona before spending the final chapters of his career with the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers. He now returns to the desert, where his legacy was first built, to formally close the book on one of the most distinguished defensive careers in recent memory.
“Arizona is where it all began, and it’s only right that it’s where it ends,” Peterson said in a statement released through the Cardinals. “This organization, the fans, and this community embraced me from day one. I gave everything I had to the game, and I’m grateful to finish it where my heart still is.”
Throughout his career, Peterson was a model of consistency and durability, starting all 16 games in each of his first eight seasons. He earned Pro Bowl selections in each of his first seven seasons, a rare feat that placed him among the NFL’s elite cornerbacks early in his career. His final Pro Bowl nod came in 2020.
In total, Peterson recorded 36 interceptions, 652 tackles, 122 passes defended, and scored five touchdowns—three on punt returns and two on interception returns. He was named a three-time First-Team All-Pro and was selected to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, cementing his place among the greats of his generation.
“Patrick was a cornerstone for this franchise,” said Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. “Not only was he a lockdown corner and a competitor, but he also brought a championship mindset to the locker room every single day. His impact on the game and on this team will be felt for years to come.”
The Cardinals are expected to hold a formal ceremony in the coming months to honor Peterson, with the possibility of enshrining him in the team’s Ring of Honor. Fans have already taken to social media to express their admiration, sharing highlights, tributes, and memories of the player once known as the NFL’s most feared shutdown corner.
While Peterson hasn’t yet revealed specific post-retirement plans, sources close to the situation indicate he may pursue opportunities in broadcasting or front-office work. His football IQ, articulate presence, and deep understanding of the game make him a strong candidate for future roles within the league.
“I’ve been blessed beyond measure,” Peterson said. “I’ve played with and against the best, and I walk away from the game with no regrets—just gratitude.”
As he hangs up his cleats for the final time, Patrick Peterson leaves behind a legacy defined by excellence, professionalism, and a fierce love for the game—and for the Cardinals.