Peterson reports for Cardinals’ workouts
Cornerback apologizes again for suspension
If you want to make Patrick Peterson happy, all you really have to do is throw the football his way. Apparently, it works just as well during voluntary team workouts against the first-team offense.
Yes, the Cardinals’ All-Pro cornerback finally reported to offseason team activities on Monday after missing the first two weeks of duty, and Peterson was all smiles afterward. One of the reasons why, it turned out, is because he made an interception against rookie quarterback Kyler Murray.
“We wanted to make him feel welcome,” coach Kliff Kingsbury said, jokingly. “But no, anytime you have a guy who’s done what he’s done, having him out there makes you better.”
The interception, though, was almost too easy, according to Peterson.
“Yeah, he gift-wrapped it for me,” he said.
Peterson’s appearance came as a bit of a surprise considering he missed the first two OTA sessions at the team’s Tempe training facility and because he earlier had seemed to imply he wouldn’t be rejoining the club until the start of a mandatory three-day mini-camp next Tuesday through Thursday.
He indicated as much last month on the day it was learned he will be suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the league’s drug policy involving performance-enhancing drugs. He can train and practice with the Cardinals through training camp and the preseason, but then can have absolutely no contact with the club until the week of Arizona’s game at the New York Giants on Oct. 20.
Peterson and Kingsbury, however, both revealed on Monday that it was always the plan for him to report this week.
“We’ve been in communication throughout the offseason,” Kingsbury said. “It was great to have him back. He’s a great teammate, a great player and he brought some good juice.”
Peterson said he will also be present for workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday. Family obligations, specifically taking care of his young daughter, was the reason why he missed each of the last two weeks, he added.
“It feels good to be back around my teammates and supporting cast here in this locker room,” Peterson said during a packed impromptu news conference in front of his locker. “I got a little sweat in today, got a little lathered up today, so it was a good run and I’m definitely looking forward to many more great practices.
“… I’m happy to be back with my boys and looking forward to building (team chemistry) to get where we want to be at the end of the year, and that’s the playoffs.”
Peterson’s commitment level to the Cardinals has been called into question by critics, who cite his public demand to be traded last October and point to some of his recent actions on social media, which have included an attempt to almost distance himself from altogether.
He is under contract for two more seasons and has said he plans to remain with the Cardinals at least through 2020, when he turns 30. It remains to be seen if he might be traded between now and then at some point.
On Monday, Peterson was asked directly what led to his suspension, the first of his career.
“I failed a PED test,” he said. “… I failed a PED test and I’m looking forward to coming back on Oct. 14. I’m very, very deeply sad and sorry that my name is associated with this and also that I’m letting my brothers down. It’s behind us now and I’m looking forward to coming back against the Giants.”
Peterson is one of seven Cardinals players who earn a bonus for attending offseason workouts. His contract calls for a hefty $250,000 bonus, although it wasn’t clear if he earns that for attending the team’s strength and conditioning program, which he did, or participating in OTAs, which he now has.
Veteran outside linebacker Terrell Suggs has been absent for every OTA session to date, and although his contract doesn’t include a bonus for reporting to workouts, Kingsbury said Suggs isn’t really missing anything.
“No. He’s Hall of Fame talent,” the coach said. “He’s been in every kind of defense imaginable. We know what he is and what he brings. We’ve been in constant communication with ‘Sizzle’ so we feel good about where he’s at.”
Peterson, interestingly, pointed out the value and importance of attending these voluntary offseason workouts, telling reporters how it can help veterans and young players alike. Even though he’s an eight-time Pro Bowl selection who is considered one of the best shutdown cornerbacks of his generation, he said he’s benefited from OTAs.
“Honestly, you can always get better, no matter where you are in your career,” Peterson said. “I think these are definitely some valuable moments in spring football to build that camaraderie and to build that trust in one another. … I think this is very, very valuable … especially with us having a new coach. The vets, younger guys, I think this is very, very valuable learning period for everybody.”
Kingsbury said he will continue to make sure Peterson gets the practice reps he needs while also being mindful of what the rest of the team’s cornerbacks are getting, specifically those who will be in competition to replace him as a starter for the first six weeks of the regular season.
“Missing those six weeks, that’s going to be the biggest thing,” Peterson said. “I’m still going to be in great shape; that’s not going to be a problem. It’s going to be about getting back in the groove because I’m not going to be there for the first six weeks. I just hope they hold on and when I come back, it’s only going to be positives.”
There was a nice positive on Monday in the form of his “gift-wrapped” interception of Murray.
“The universe kind of worked out for Pat today,” Kingsbury said, smiling. “I think it’s a sign of good things to come.” the organization