Peterson: ‘I can’t ask for a better team to play for’

The first round pick for the Arizona Cardinals is considered to be the best player available in this year’s draft — and he thinks the Cards are the best fit for him.

“I can’t ask for a better team to play for,” former LSU cornerback and new Cardinal Patrick Peterson said about coming to the desert in a conference call with reporters.

Let me be one of the first 1,000,000 people to welcome you to the Valley of the Sun, Mr. Peterson.

I could list the impressive stats of Peterson’s career at this point, like the Bednarik Award given to the nation’s best defensive player he received after his junior year or his 135 tackles and seven interceptions in just 39 games played for the Tigers. But it’s time to look ahead.

Not too far though. Sure, the 14 previous DBs selected in the top 10 overall have a combined 15 Pro Bowl Appearances. Yes, he is the highest DB selected since 1963 out of LSU. And, of course, he will have high family expectations from cousins Bryant McFadden (Steelers), Walter McFadden (Oakland), Santana Moss (Washington) and Sinorice Moss (Philadelphia).

The kid is going to have a lot on his back, but I like where his head is at. His conference call seemed composed and well-thought out, a tough feat for a guy who just had all his dreams come true.

“It’s going to be fun to be an Arizona Cardinal,’ Peterson said. “I know Larry [Fitzgerald] is definitely going to get me ready to play games on Sundays.”

I admit, I was worried when the Cardinals were up, especially given their draft history. The last thing the franchise needs is a head-case of a rookie coming in and messing with our already questionable defense. But Peterson isn’t that kind of guy. He’s passionate, young and just as excited as the fans are about his move to the University of Phoenix Stadium.

“When [the Cardinals] called me, the emotion went straight through the roof,” Peterson said. Hopefully the Radio City Music Hall wasn’t damaged too badly.

Live in the moment, Mr. Peterson. Enjoy the night and have a beer. When you wake up, it’s time to be a professional football player in the NFL. It’s time to live up to your resume, draft selection and the already raised hopes of your newest fans. It’s time to be the newest Arizona Cardinal.

Welcome home.

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