Patrick Peterson is diabetes free as training camp starts

GLENDALE, Ariz. – There is no excuse for how Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson played in 2014, but there may be an explanation.

Yes, he made his fourth straight Pro Bowl, third in a row at cornerback, but post-season honors don’t tell the whole story.

Peterson, in his mind, underachieved.

“For myself, I didn’t play to the best of my ability,” he said.

Peterson, the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, statistically ranked tied for seventh on the team in tackles (46) and second in interceptions (3).  Not bad, but not great either, at least when compared to his first two seasons in the league and what was expected following him signing a five-year contract extension making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league.

It was revealed later that Peterson had dealt with blood sugar issues and had been diagnosed with diabetes, news that had been quiet during the season.

Peterson, 25, told reporters Monday his diabetes is under control.

“I definitely have my diet under control,” he said.  “I did get tested again.  I had Type 1 so it was reversible, and as of right now I am diabetes-free.  I still have to make sure I watch what I eat, my sugar level, take my blood pressure and things like that.

“It’s a big step, especially when you’re first finding out about something like that.  You hear something like and you think it’s life-threatening, but it’s definitely something that’s controllable.  Me and the team doctors, (head athletic trainer) Tom Reed has been doing a great job of monitoring me.  I’ve been great so far, so I’m ready to move forward.

“Enough about last year, I’m ready to get the 2015-2016 season going.”

Peterson had said he had Type 1 but in a tweet corrected himself to a follower who had asked.

@KyleIsACeltic type 2

— Patrick Peterson /P2 (@P2) August 3, 2015

Peterson has never been one to make excuses — even when he gives up a touchdown — and isn’t about to now.

“I wasn’t physically able to put myself in the position to make plays,” he said.  “I was just a step behind from making those plays and that was due to my weight, that was due to the sluggish movements and things like that.  Now, all of that is under control and that’s behind me.  That won’t happen again.”

Asked how much weight he lost, Peterson responded with a smile, “I lost a lot. I lost enough.”

Peterson is listed at 219 pounds.

With his diet and weight under control, Peterson believes this season, his fifth, may be his best ever.

“This is probably the best I’ve felt in a while,” he said.  “I’m moving real well, I’m much leaner, I feel much quicker.  I feel that my time is now.  The clock is ticking.  I have no more time to waste.  I have to make sure that I put my best effort forward each and every Sunday and every time I step out on the field.

“I think this camp and this year, it’s definitely going to be something special.”

Follow @CraigAZSports