Patrick Peterson 1 year 10M

So this is actually goodbye.

You want to know something random that’s been on my mind a lot lately?

Arizona sunsets.

AZ has some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, man. When that orange and that purple kind of blend together as the sun drops behind the mountains, it’s like a painting.

That’s something I’m going to really miss about the desert.

I almost feel like I need to hit pause for a second before I even start writing this, to look around and just take it all in. To take a deep breath.

Wow. It’s really been a wild ride.

Am I surprised to be leaving? A little bit, I’m not gonna lie. But I wasn’t taken aback by it, if that makes sense. I’ve been with this team for 10 years, so I’ve seen different versions of my situation play out with other high profile players many times. If you’re at the end of your contract and haven’t gotten another one before the season’s over, nine times out of 10 you’re going to walk. Nothing against anyone — that’s just the way this business works.

So I’d already had it in the back of my mind that I was going to be pulling on a different jersey come September. I had already been mentally preparing.

Then I found out where I was going, and it became real.

And to tell you the truth, I feel great about what the future holds for me as a Minnesota Viking. But as I’ve been going through the process of leaving I’ve also been trying to figure out the best way possible to say goodbye to the only fan base I’ve ever known.

Ten years ago, when I found out I was going to be a Cardinal, I didn’t even recognize the 602 area code. I barely knew anything about Arizona. I moved out here, got married to my wife, Antonique, and brought two beautiful daughters into the world, which is a blessing. Paityn is five now, and Parker is almost two. Every day I’m looking at Antonique like, Wow, we really have a five-year-old. That’s crazy. It’s funny how time works.

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.