 Peterson with theMinnesota Vikings in 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| No. 21, 7, 20 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position | Cornerback | ||||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | (1990-07-11)July 11, 1990 (age 35) Pompano Beach, Florida, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 203 lb (92 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||||
| High school | Blanche Ely(Pompano Beach) | ||||||||||||||||||
| College | LSU (2008–2010) | ||||||||||||||||||
| NFL draft | 2011: 1st round, 5th overall pick | ||||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||||||
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Patrick De'mon Peterson Jr. (néJohnson; born July 11, 1990) is an American former professionalfootball player who was acornerback for 13 seasons in theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theLSU Tigers, where he won theChuck Bednarik Award as the best defensive player in the country, and theJim Thorpe Award as the best defensive back. He is regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks of his era.[1][2]
Peterson was selected fifth overall by theArizona Cardinals in the first round of the2011 NFL draft. A member of theNFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Peterson was selected to thePro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons in the NFL and was named to theAll-Pro first-team on three occasions. In 2021, he signed with theMinnesota Vikings as a free agent after 10 seasons with Arizona. After two seasons with Minnesota, he spent his final season with thePittsburgh Steelers.
Peterson was born inPompano Beach, Florida on July 11, 1990. He attendedBlanche Ely High School, where he playedrunning back anddefensive back.[3] As a junior, he recorded 11 total touchdowns on offense, while recording seven interceptions and 54 tackles on defense. He returned three kick-offs for touchdowns and added 10 rushes for 213 yards. As a senior, Peterson compiled 733 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns (9 rushings, one kick return, and one punt return). Defensively, he had 21 tackles and five interceptions. Besides numerous All-American team selections, Peterson was named Defensive Player of the Year byUSA Today and played in the 2008U.S. Army All-American Bowl.[4]
He was also on the school'strack & field team, where he ran the100 meters in 10.92 seconds and the200 meters in 22.24 seconds. He was also a member of the4 × 100 m relay (41.41 s) squad.[5]
A consensus five-star prospect by all majorrecruiting services, Peterson was rated as the nation's fifth-best overall player byRivals.com and No. 8 byESPN. Before his senior season, he verbally committed to play for theUniversity of Miami, but continued to look at other schools.[6] By November 2007, Peterson had reopened his recruiting process and acknowledged interest inGeorgia,USC,Florida, and LSU.[7] He later dropped Georgia and USC from his list and addedFlorida State,[8] but eventually announced his decision to attend LSU at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.[9]
Peterson attendedLouisiana State University, where he played for coachLes Miles'sLSU Tigers football team from 2008 to 2010.[10]
One of the most decorated high school players to ever attend LSU, Peterson played 13 games as atrue freshman. On November 8, against SEC West rivalAlabama, he had his first collegiate interception.[11] He started the final four games of season, including theChick-fil-A Bowl win overGeorgia Tech.[12] Peterson finished the season with 41 tackles, one interception, and three pass breakups, while also adding a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry.[13]
In his sophomore season, Peterson emerged as one of the top defensive backs in theSoutheastern Conference (SEC). On September 26, againstMississippi State, he had a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown.[14] In a game against standout wide receiverA. J. Green ofGeorgia,[15] Peterson was able to hold Green to just four catches.[16][17]
By mid-season, Peterson tied for fourth in the league with seven passes defended, and was named the SEC's "Most Improved Player" by ESPN's Chris Low.[18]
Another highly anticipated match-up occurred when Peterson went againstJulio Jones ofAlabama.[19] Peterson's LSU Tigers were ranked ninth in the country and traveled to faceNick Saban and the #1 ranked Crimson Tide. The Tigers were down by six points late in the fourth quarter when Peterson stepped in front of a pass from quarterbackGreg McElroy to Julio Jones for what seemed like an interception. MultipleCBS camera angles showed that Peterson was able to get at least one foot in bounds.[20] However, even after review, the SEC officiating crew called the pass incomplete, saying that Peterson was not able to get any foot in bounds. Alabama would go on to kick a field goal on that drive and won 24–15. The missed interception call quickly became infamous and was debated by many media outlets.[21][22]
Peterson finished 2009 with 52 tackles.[23] His 43 solo tackles were second on the team behind linebackerKelvin Sheppard. Peterson returned an interception for a touchdown againstMississippi State, and he returned a blocked field goal againstOle Miss for a touchdown. He was also named a 2009 Second-Team All-American byThe Sporting News, a 2009 First-Team All-SEC performer by ESPN, and a 2009 Second-Team All-SEC performer by the AP.[16]
Peterson was named to the preseason watch lists for theNagurski Award, theThorpe Award, theRonnie Lott Award, theWalter Camp Award, and theChuck Bednarik Award. It was announced during the summer of 2010 that Peterson would begin returning punts and kickoffs due to his size, speed, and athleticism. With this added dimension to his game and his dominance as a cornerback, Peterson began being mentioned as adark horse for the 2010Heisman Trophy award, presented to the best college football player every year.[24]
Peterson began his junior season againstNorth Carolina in the 2010Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. The Tigers won 30–24 and Peterson was terrific.[25] In his debut as a returner, Peterson had a school-record 257 yards returning punts and kickoffs, 244 yards coming in the first half. He returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown and consistently gave the Tigers' offense good field position. His 257-yard performance ranks second all-time in the SEC behindMississippi State's Nick Turner and his 266-yard performance. Peterson was named Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.[26] He was also named the Lott IMPACT Player of the Week.[27][28]
Peterson had two punt returns againstVanderbilt for eight yards in week two as the Tigers rolled past the Commodores. He also returned two kickoffs for 51 yards, to go along with one tackle.[29][30]
In week three of the 2010 season, the 2–0 Tigers hosted 1–1Mississippi State for LSU's first home game of the year. The Tiger defense suffocated Mississippi State's offense and Peterson strengthened his campaign with two acrobatic interceptions for LSU. He also returned one kickoff 39 yards and one punt 2 yards to go along with four solo tackles.[29][31]
Peterson entertained the home crowd again in week four against Top-25 foeWest Virginia. With the game tied 0–0 early in the first quarter, West Virginia went to attempt a mid-range field goal, and Peterson was able to leap from behind the line of scrimmage and block the kick. The Tiger defense forced West Virginia to punt later in the half. Peterson fielded the punt on his own 40-yard line and raced 60 yards up the middle of the field for a touchdown and a 17–0 LSU lead. Peterson struck the Heisman pose in the north end zone ofTiger Stadium, drawing a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Peterson was almost single-handedly responsible for 10 points in the game that ended with LSU winning 20–14. The national sports media began comparing Peterson to Woodson, who actually had worse statistics than Peterson through his first four games during his Heisman winning season.[32] Peterson was again named SEC Special Teams Player of the Week.[33] He also recorded 1 solo tackle.[29][34]
Week five saw the LSU Tigers take on theTennessee Volunteers. Peterson and the LSU defense limited Tennessee to 217 yards of offense and the Tigers won 16–14.[35] Peterson recorded 1 solo tackle and 3 assisted tackles. He had 3punt returns for 30 yards and 3kickoff returns for 64 yards. The LSU Tigers improved to 5–0 and 3–0 in the SEC with the victory over the Volunteers.[36]
Peterson's efforts helped the Tigers to a No. 12 ranking in theAssociated Press Top 25 as well as a #9 ranking in theUSA Today Coaches Poll Top 25.[37] Through week 5 of the 2010 season, he was 3rd in Division I-A in punt return average at 23.6 yards per attempt (12 for 283), 1st in punt return touchdowns with 2, and 22nd in kickoff return average at 28.2 yards per attempt. Peterson was also tied for 30th in the country with two interceptions.[38] He was in the top five of most straw polls regarding the 2010 Heisman Trophy.[39] In an effort to jumpstart the struggling offense for the Tigers, Peterson practiced as awide receiver and arunning back on offense.
On October 9, against theFlorida Gators, Peterson had four kick returns for 106 net yards, one punt return, and one total tackle in the 33–29 victory.[40] In the next game, against theMcNeese State Cowboys, he had two kick returns for 63 net yards and two punt returns for 34 net yards, to go along with one tackle.[41] In the following game, againstAuburn, he had four kick returns for 99 net yards, two punt returns for 18 net yards, and three total tackles.[42] On November 6, againstAlabama, he had two kick returns for 45 net yards, two punt returns for 22 net yards, eight total tackles, and three passes defended in the 24–21 victory.[43] The next week, againstLouisiana–Monroe, he had three punt returns for 31 net yards, one total tackle, and an interception that was returned 85 yards.[44] In the following game, againstOle Miss, he had four kick returns for 121 net yards, three punt returns for 30 net yards, four total tackles, and one interception.[45] On November 27, againstArkansas, he had four kick returns for 163 net yards, three total tackles, and one pass defensed.[46] In his final collegiate game, the Cotton Bowl againstTexas A&M, he had three kick returns for 81 net yards to go along with six total tackles.[47]
Following the season, he was a first-team All-SEC selection and was recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American.[48] His 934 kickoff return yards and 29.1 yards per return average both ranked second in the SEC, while his 418 punt return yards and 16.1 yards per return average each ranked first.[49]
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | GP | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo | Ast | Cmb | TfL | Sck | Int | Yds | Avg | TD | PD | FR | Yds | TD | FF | ||||||
| 2008 | LSU | SEC | FR | DB | 13 | 32 | 9 | 41 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | LSU | SEC | SO | DB | 13 | 43 | 9 | 52 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2 | 37 | 18.5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 | LSU | SEC | JR | DB | 13 | 29 | 13 | 42 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 4 | 134 | 33.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 39 | 104 | 31 | 135 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 7 | 171 | 24.4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||||
Coming out of LSU in 2011, Peterson was a projected first-round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was a consensus top-five pick and was thought to be the best player in the draft by multiple analysts.[50] Peterson attended theNFL Combine and completed all of the required combine drills. On March 14, 2011, he participated at LSU'spro day and opted to stand on his combine numbers and only perform positional drills for scouts and team representatives.Pittsburgh Steelers head coachMike Tomlin,Carolina Panthers head coachRon Rivera, andNew Orleans Saints head coachSean Payton were among the team representatives that attended LSU's pro day to scout Peterson,Kelvin Sheppard,Drake Nevis,Joseph Barksdale,Stevan Ridley,Lazarius Levingston,Terrence Toliver, and multiple others.[51] He was ranked the top cornerback prospect in the draft by NFL analystMike Mayock, NFLDraftScout.com,Foxsports analystBrian Billick, andSports Illustrated.[52][53][54]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft0+1⁄4 in (1.84 m) | 219 lb (99 kg) | 32 in (0.81 m) | 9+1⁄4 in (0.23 m) | 4.34 s | 1.57 s | 2.58 s | 4.07 s | 6.58 s | 38 in (0.97 m) | 10 ft 6 in (3.20 m) | 15 reps | |
| All values fromNFL Combine[55][56] | ||||||||||||
TheArizona Cardinals selected Peterson in the first round (fifth overall) of the2011 NFL draft. He was the first cornerback selected.[57] On July 30, 2011, the Cardinals signed Peterson to a fully guaranteed four-year, $18.42 million contract that included a signing bonus of $11.90 million.[58][59]
Head coachKen Whisenhunt named Peterson the starting cornerback, alongsideGreg Toler, to begin his rookie season. He started the Cardinals' season-opener against the Panthers and scored his first career touchdown after returning a punt for an 89-yards in the fourth quarter to win the game 28–21. Peterson also recorded five solo tackles during the game.[60] The following week, he recorded a season-high eight combined tackles as the Cardinals lost 21–22 to theWashington Redskins.[61] On September 25, 2011, Peterson made one tackle, defended a pass, and made his first career interception, picking off a pass fromSeattle Seahawks quarterbackTarvaris Jackson during a 10–13 loss.[62]
On November 6, 2011, during the overtime period, Peterson fielded a punt at the one-yard line, evaded several would-be tacklers, and returned it for the 99-yard touchdown in a 19–13 victory over theSt. Louis Rams. He also intercepted a flea-flicker pass fromSam Bradford intended forBrandon Lloyd and recorded three tackles and three pass deflections.[63] He earned his first NFC Special Teams Player of the Week nomination.[64] In Week 14, he led the Cardinals with five solo tackles and made the first sack of his career onSan Francisco 49ers quarterbackAlex Smith during 21–19 victory for the Cardinals.[65]
He tied the single-season record for punt return touchdowns with his fourth, accomplishing the feat against the Rams on November 27.[66][67] He became the only player in NFL history with four punt-return touchdowns of at least 80 yards in a single season. He earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the second time for his performance against the Rams.[68] He finished his rookie season with a sack, 64 combined tackles (59 solo), two interceptions, 13 passes defended, and two fumble recoveries in 16 games and 16 starts. He also produced a rookie record 699 return yards (the second highest total in NFL history) for four touchdowns on 44 punt returns.[69]
Peterson was selected as a kick returner to the2012 Pro Bowl and was the only rookie to be selected to the 2011 All-Pro First Team.[70][71] He was ranked #55 by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2012.[72]
Peterson returned as the starting cornerback, oppositeWilliam Gay, to begin the2012 season. On September 16, 2012, Peterson had one carry for 17 yards, three combined tackles, a pass deflection, and interceptedTom Brady in a 20–18 victory over theNew England Patriots.[73] On December 16, 2012, he recorded a season-high seven combined tackles and interceptedDetroit Lions quarterbackMatt Stafford in a 38–10 victory.[74]
Peterson started all 16 games making 55 tackles with seven interceptions, 17 passes defended, and an NFL-leading five fumble recoveries. He also had 51 punt returns producing 426 return yards, three receptions for 11 receiving yards, and two carries for 13 rushing yards.[75] On December 26, 2012, it was announced that Peterson was voted to the2013 Pro Bowl as a cornerback.[76] He was ranked #33 by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2013.[77]
The Cardinals' new head coachBruce Arians named Peterson the starting cornerback, oppositeJerraud Powers, to begin the2013 season.[78]
On September 15, 2013, Peterson caught one pass for 17 yards, threw a 17-yard pass toKerry Taylor, and recorded four solo tackles during a 25–21 win against the Lions.[79] This made him the first defender to catch and complete a pass in the same game since the 1970 merger. On September 29, he recorded two solo tackles and intercepted two passes fromTampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbackMike Glennon during a 13–10 victory.[80] It was the first game of Peterson's career with multiple interceptions. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his game against Tampa Bay.[81] In Week 14, Peterson collected a season-high seven combined tackles in a 37–34 victory over theTennessee Titans.[82] Although the Cardinals finished with a 10–6 record in their first year under Bruce Arians, they finished third in their division and did not qualify for a playoff berth.[83]
Peterson started all 16 games in 2013 and made 42 combined tackles (40 solo), three interceptions, 13 pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. He also returned 33 punts for 198 return yards, had one kickoff return attempt for 18 yards, made six catches for 54 receiving yards, and had four carries for 21 yards.[84] He was selected for the2014 Pro Bowl as a cornerback, marking the third of his career.[85] He was named a First Team All-Pro for the second time in his career.[86] He was ranked #22 by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2014.[87]
On July 29, 2014, the Cardinals signed Peterson to a five-year, $70 million contract extension with $48 million guaranteed and a $15.3 million signing bonus.[88]
He began the season as the Cardinals' starting cornerback, oppositeAntonio Cromartie, and no longer had to handle return duties due to the arrival ofTed Ginn Jr. On November 9, 2014, he made two solo tackles and intercepted two passes from Rams quarterbackAustin Davis during a 31–14 victory. He returned one interception for a 30-yard touchdown, marking the first defensive touchdown of his career.[89] He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Rams.[90] On December 7, Peterson recorded a season-high eight combined tackles and sackedKansas City Chiefs quarterbackAlex Smith in a 17–14 victory.[91] He finished the2014 season with 50 combined tackles (43 solo), eight pass deflections, three interceptions, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries in 16 games and 16 starts.[92] He was selected to the2015 Pro Bowl as a cornerback, marking his fourth straight appearance.[93]
The Cardinals finished with an 11–5 record in 2014 and qualified for a playoff berth.[94][95] On January 3, 2015, Peterson played in his first career postseason game and recorded two combined tackles during a 16–27 loss to the Panthers in theNFCWild Card Round.[96]
Shortly after the 2014 NFL season, Peterson announced that he had been diagnosed withdiabetes. He stated that this affected his performance in the 2014 season, that he had the disease under control, and was ready for the 2015 season.[97] He was ranked #19 by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2015.[98]
Peterson was named the starting cornerback and had full-time punt return duties after the departure of Ted Ginn Jr.[99]
On September 20, 2015, he recorded three solo tackles and interceptedJay Cutler during a 48–23 win over theChicago Bears.[100] In Week 5, he collected four combined tackles and intercepted a pass offMatthew Stafford, as the Cardinals defeated the Lions 42–17.[101] The following game, he earned a season-high five solo tackles as the Cardinals were defeated by the Steelers 13–25.[102] Although he started all 16 games, Peterson finished with a career low 35 combined tackles (35 solo), eight pass deflections, and made two interceptions.[103]
The Cardinals won theNFC West with a 13–3 record, receiving a playoff berth and a first round bye as the NFC's second seed.[104] After defeating theGreen Bay Packers 26–20 in theDivisional Round, in which Peterson had a 100-yard pick-six offAaron Rodgers negated due to a defensive holding penalty, the Cardinals went on to the face the Panthers in theNFC Championship.[105] Peterson recorded five combined tackles and returned an interception offCam Newton for 70 yards, as the Cardinals lost 49–15.[106]
He was selected to the2016 Pro Bowl as a cornerback, marking his fifth straight, and was voted first-team All-Pro for the third time.[107][108] He was also ranked 18th best player by his fellow NFL players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2016.[109]
Peterson began the season as the starting cornerback, oppositeMarcus Cooper, with full-time punt return duties being taken over byJohn Brown with Peterson returning sparingly throughout the season.
On September 18, 2016, Peterson recorded four combined tackles and interceptedJameis Winston during a 40–7 victory over the Buccaneers.[110] In Week 3, Peterson recorded four combined tackles and interceptedTyrod Taylor, catching the ball with one hand during an 18–33 loss to theBuffalo Bills.[111] On December 24, 2016, he collected a season-high six combined tackles in a 34–31 victory over the Seahawks.[112] He recorded 51 combined tackles (45 solo), six passes deflected, and three interceptions in 16 games and 16 starts.[113] On December 20, 2016, for the sixth consecutive year, Peterson was selected to be in the2017 Pro Bowl, along with teammatesLarry Fitzgerald andDavid Johnson.[114] He was also ranked 19th by his peers on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2017 as the highest ranked cornerback.[115]
Peterson remained as the Cardinals'de facto starting cornerback withJustin Bethel after Marcus Cooper departed infree agency. In a Week 11 game against theHouston Texans, Peterson got his firstinterception of the season, a one handed grab offTom Savage.[116][117] On December 19, 2017, Peterson was named to his seventh straight Pro Bowl.[118] Overall, he finished the 2017 season with 13 punt returns for 88 net yards, 34 total tackles, one fumble recovery, eight passes defensed, and one interception.[119] He was ranked 23rd by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2018.[120]
In Week 1 against the Redskins, Peterson had one tackle and sackedAlex Smith once as the Cardinals lost 24–6.[121] In Week 2 against theLos Angeles Rams, Peterson made eight tackles and interceptedJared Goff as the Cardinals lost 34–0.[122] In Week 7 against theDenver Broncos, Peterson made six tackles and interceptedCase Keenum as the Cardinals lost 45–10.[123] He finished the season with 54 tackles, five pass deflections, and two interceptions, on his way to his eighth straight Pro Bowl.[124][125] He was ranked 46th by his fellow players on theNFL Top 100 Players of 2019.[126]
_(cropped).jpg)
On May 16, 2019, the NFL announced that Peterson would be suspended for the first six games of the season for a violation of the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy. He filed an appeal to have the suspension reduced, but he did not win the appeal and the six-game suspension was upheld.[127] This snapped his streak of 8 consecutive Pro Bowls, as per NFL rules, players who receive PED suspensions are ineligible for the Pro Bowl.[128] He was reinstated from suspension on October 14, and was activated on October 19, 2019.[129]
Peterson made his return from his suspension in week 7 against theNew York Giants. In the game, Peterson recorded a strip-sack onDaniel Jones which was recovered by teammateHaason Reddick in the 27–21 win.[130]In week 8 against the Saints, Peterson recorded his first interception of the season off a pass fromDrew Brees in the 31–9 loss.[131]In week 15 against theCleveland Browns, Peterson recorded seven tackles, three passes defended, and intercepted a pass thrown byBaker Mayfield that was intended forOdell Beckham Jr. during the 38–24 win, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.[132] He started in all ten games he appeared in. He finished with one sack, 53 total tackles (46 solo), two interceptions, seven passes defended, and one forced fumble.[133]
In Week 4 against the Panthers, Peterson recorded his first interception of the season off a pass thrown byTeddy Bridgewater during the 31–21 loss.[134]In Week 7 against the Seahawks, Peterson recorded an interception off a pass thrown byRussell Wilson during the 37–34 overtime win.[135] In Week 10 against the Bills, Peterson recorded an interception off a pass thrown byJosh Allen in the32–30 win. It would turn out to be Peterson's final interception in a Cardinals uniform.[136] He finished the 2020 season with 61 total tackles (52 solo), three interceptions, and eight passes defended.[137]
On March 17, 2021, theMinnesota Vikings signed Peterson to a fully guaranteed one-year, $8 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $5.90 million.[138] On April 26, 2021, Peterson announced that he'd be changing hisjersey number from 21 to 7.[139] He wore 7 during high school and throughout his college career atLSU.[139] With the change, he became the first player to take advantage of theNFL's new relaxedrules on jersey numbers.[140]
Peterson entered the 2021 season as a starting cornerback for the Vikings. He started the first six games before suffering a hamstring injury in Week 7. He was placed on injured reserve on October 18, 2021.[141] This is the first time in Peterson's 10-year career that he was forced to miss a game due to injury. He was activated on November 20, 2021.[142] He made 13 appearances, all starts, in the 2021 season. He finished with 45 total tackles (34 solo), one interception returned for a touchdown, and five passes defensed.[143]
On March 30, 2022, the Vikings re-signed Peterson to a one-year, $4 million contract that includes $3.50 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $1.50 million.[144]
On November 13, 2022, Peterson had two interceptions against Josh Allen and the Bills in a 33–30 overtime thriller, including an interception to end the game.[145] He started in all 17 games and had 66 total tackles (56 solo), five interceptions, and 15 passes defended.[146]
On March 16, 2023, the Steelers signed Peterson to a two-year, $14 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $5.85 million.[147][148]
OnSunday Night Football in Week 3 of the 2023 season, Peterson recorded his 35th interception on a pass byJimmy Garoppolo, surpassingHarrison Smith as the active player with the most interceptions.[149]
In Week 16 against the Bengals, with all three members of the Steelers' three-safety package either injured or suspended, Peterson made his first career start as asafety.[150] He appeared in all 17 games and started 16. He recorded 42 total tackles (34 solo), two interceptions, and 11 passes defended.[151]
On March 8, 2024, Peterson was released by the Steelers.[152]
On April 11, 2025, after not playing in 2024, Peterson announced his retirement after 13 seasons, and officially retired as a Cardinal on April 14.[153]
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| NFL record | |
| Led the league | |
| Bold | Career high |
| Year | Team | Games | Tackles | Interceptions | Fumbles | Punt Return | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | GS | Cmb | Solo | Ast | Sck | PD | Int | Yds | TD | FF | FR | Yds | TD | Ret | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | ||
| 2011 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 64 | 59 | 5 | 1.0 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | −1 | 0 | 44 | 699 | 15.9 | 99 | 4 |
| 2012 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 55 | 52 | 3 | 0.0 | 16 | 7 | 64 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 60 | 0 | 51 | 426 | 8.4 | 26 | 0 |
| 2013 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 42 | 40 | 2 | 0.0 | 13 | 3 | 59 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 198 | 6.0 | 22 | 0 |
| 2014 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 50 | 43 | 7 | 1.0 | 7 | 3 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 35 | 35 | 0 | 0.0 | 8 | 2 | 41 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 32 | 260 | 8.1 | 38 | 0 |
| 2016 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 51 | 45 | 6 | 0.0 | 6 | 3 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 81 | 6.2 | 17 | 0 |
| 2017 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 34 | 30 | 4 | 0.0 | 8 | 1 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 47 | 0 | 13 | 88 | 6.8 | 19 | 0 |
| 2018 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 54 | 45 | 9 | 1.0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 49 | 0 | 9 | 64 | 7.1 | 16 | 0 |
| 2019 | ARI | 10 | 10 | 53 | 46 | 7 | 1.0 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | ARI | 16 | 16 | 61 | 52 | 9 | 0.0 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | MIN | 13 | 13 | 45 | 34 | 11 | 0.0 | 5 | 1 | 66 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | MIN | 17 | 17 | 66 | 56 | 10 | 0.0 | 15 | 5 | 91 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | PIT | 17 | 16 | 42 | 34 | 8 | 0.0 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 201 | 200 | 652 | 571 | 81 | 4.0 | 122 | 36 | 408 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 155 | 0 | 195 | 1,816 | 9.3 | 99 | 4 | |
Peterson was born Patrick Johnson, the name he held throughout his high school career & enrollment to LSU, before he changed his legal name to Patrick Peterson Jr. in August 2008. His parents are Patrick and Shandra Peterson of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is related to several fellow NFL players: he is maternal cousins ofBryant McFadden,Walter McFadden,Sinorice Moss andSantana Moss and a second cousin ofZack Moss.[158]Peterson's younger brother, Avery, was a member of theESPNU 150 Watch List in 2012. He also legally changed his surname from Johnson to Peterson.[159]
Peterson lives in Scottsdale with his wife Antonique, an osteopathic physician.[160][161][162] The couple have two daughters,[163][164] Paityn and Parker.[165][160]
Peterson revealed he hadtype two diabetes in 2015.[97]
