The Arizona Cardinals lost one of their icons from the last decade in free agency as cornerback Patrick Peterson signed with the Minnesota Vikings last month. He did not give his official public goodbye to the team, the state and the fans until Tuesday.
He did so in an article he wrote for The Players’ Tribune, reflecting on his 10 years with the team.
So, what do you say to a city that’s not just a city — but truly your home? Nothing seems good enough.
But I’ll just start with this:
Thank you.
He wrote about how things began as a rookie and how he was groomed to be a leader. He went through when he was diagnosed with diabetes and also his PED suspension.
He wants to play five more seasons and wants to win a championship.
But he made it clear what he feels he is. He wants to one day have his name up in the stadium with other Cardinals greats.
I spent the majority of my time in Arizona. I had a great time there. I built my career there….
It’s like I said when I was drafted:
I feel like I’m a Cardinal.
He is leaving on good terms and without any resentment, unlike when receiver Anquan Boldin left when he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.
Peterson may achieve great things the rest of his career, but he will always be a Cardinal. Maybe he will even come back and play another season at the end of his career or even sign a one-day contract to retire a Cardinal like Adrian Wilson did.
There were a couple of rocky moments, but Peterson has been one of the Cardinals’ greatest players.
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