First came a couple of Instagram videos from Patrick Peterson, the second of which carried this caption: “It was nothing like taking flight with the Bird Gang on Sundays. See you next week @azcardinals.”

Then came a tweet from Adam Schefter that Peterson would be coming Monday to retire as a member of the Cardinals.

That makes some sense, although the only thing official from the team is the notice that Peterson will take part in a press conference Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. There has not been anything further from Peterson at this point.

Peterson hasn’t played since playing all 17 games for the Steelers in 2023. Returning to play for the Cards was never part of the equation, given Monti Osesenfort’s roster-building strategy, Peterson’s age, time away from the game and a team loaded with options in the secondary.

If Peterson is indeed retiring, it will officially cap a 13-year career, including a decade with the Cardinals that included eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro nods. Peterson left as a free agent to sign with Minnesota after the 2020 season. He was the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft by the Cardinals.

Aside from Peterson’s IG posts, he also appeared in a video congratulating owner Michael Bidwill this week for going into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

Patrick Peterson, the eight-time Pro Bowl cornerback, is returning to the Arizona Cardinals to conclude his illustrious NFL career where it began. At 34, Peterson has announced his retirement from professional football, choosing to end his 13-year journey with the team that drafted him fifth overall in 2011. He is scheduled to officially retire as a Cardinal on Monday, April 14, 2025 .​

Peterson’s tenure with the Cardinals spanned a decade, during which he became one of the most dominant cornerbacks in the NFL. He was named an All-Pro three times and selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons. Additionally, Peterson earned a spot on the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, solidifying his legacy as one of the league’s elite defenders.​

After his time in Arizona, Peterson played two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. Despite expressing a willingness to transition to safety to extend his career, he was released before the 2024 season and remained unsigned thereafter .​

A Full-Circle Moment

Peterson’s decision to retire as a Cardinal is a poignant return to where his professional journey began. Head coach Jonathan Gannon expressed enthusiasm about Peterson’s return, emphasizing his embodiment of the qualities the team values: work ethic, commitment to excellence, and a passion for the game. Gannon highlighted that Peterson’s presence provides a significant boost to both the defense and the organization as a whole .​

Legacy and Impact

Over his 13-year career, Peterson accumulated 36 interceptions, 122 passes defended, and 652 tackles in 201 games. His exceptional performance has not only secured his legacy as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks but also positions him as a strong candidate for future Hall of Fame consideration .​

As Peterson prepares to hang up his cleats, his return to the Cardinals symbolizes a full-circle moment in his distinguished career, honoring his roots and the team that played a pivotal role in his ascent to NFL stardom