Arizona Cardinal Patrick Peterson was billed as the best athlete in the 2011 draft. He was a total playmaker that has the ability to break open up a game. The experts aren’t always right, but they hit the nail on the head with their prediction for the cornerback out of Louisiana State.
He’s still developing as a defender, going through the typical woes experienced by a rookie defensive back, but there’s no doubt that he has the skill set to one day be a true shutdown corner. In the mean time, he’s found his niche in the special teams phase, returning punts and breaking records.
Peterson earned a Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors for his play in the return game this season. ProPlayerInsiders caught up with Peterson’s dad, Patrick Peterson Sr, who said “It was a great honor [for his son] to be selected to the Pro Bowl this year. He didn’t expect it but it was really great to for him to spend time with so many amazing players.”
He broke the record for most punt return yards by a rookie in a single season with 699 and tied the record for most punt return touchdowns in a single season with four. And if that wasn’t enough, his overtime 99-yard return for a touchdown against the Rams in November was the longest ever game-winner. In the Pro Bowl, it was business as usual with 4 kickoff returns for 123 yards, including one 48-yarder.
Why did Peterson accomplish so much in his Rookie year? His philosophy “is to work hard, stay focused and take care of [his] body” said the senior Peterson.
While there isn’t a lot of time during the season for much outside of football in his down time Peterson enjoys “fishing, riding bikes and spending time doing things with [his] family.”
