Patrick Peterson Announces Retirement as Arizona Cardinal

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Patrick Peterson is retiring from professional football, returning to the Arizona Cardinals to announce his departure on Monday, April 13, 2025. The 34-year-old cornerback, drafted fifth overall by the Cardinals in 2011, spent the first decade of his career with the team. During his tenure, Peterson was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons and earned a spot on the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade team.

Peterson’s career took him to the Minnesota Vikings for two seasons in 2021 and 2022, followed by a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. He did not participate in any games during the 2024 season, making his decision to retire expected.

Throughout his career, Peterson established himself as one of the premier defensive players of his time. “I want to thank the Cardinals organization for believing in me from day one,” Peterson said during his retirement announcement. “It feels right to retire where it all began.”

As a strong candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Peterson’s eligibility for induction will begin with the Class of 2029. “I look forward to the next chapter of my life and am grateful for all the memories and experiences football has given me,” he added.