Steelers' Patrick Peterson Makes It Clear Where He Stands On Disrespect After Crazy 2023 Interception Prediction

Arguably the biggest upgrade for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason was at the cornerback position. They drafted two promising rookies Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. who are hopefully going to be the future of their secondary. The Steelers also brought in future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson during the offseason. He was previously with the Minnesota Vikings where he had a solid season in 2022 recording five interceptions and 66 combined tackles.

Peterson is expected to take on the role of being a veteran leader and mentor to the Steelers' young secondary. This will look somewhat like Joe Haden did for the Steelers from 2017 to 2021.

Even though Peterson performed well in 2022, he is no spring chicken. He's currently 33 years old, but has no plans of slowing down. Peterson recently spoke on his podcast, All Things Covered, with former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden, where he talked about his personal goals going into the season. He mentioned how he thinks that he can have a career-high year for interceptions.

"With me all over the field and we have those dogs up front that can stay healthy and keep hunting. The quarterback is going to just throw the ball blindfolded. To be honest with you, this might be a career-high [for interceptions.]"

Peterson's current career high for interceptions came back in 2012 when he had seven interceptions. This year his goal is set for eight. The most interceptions that a player had in a single season came way back in 1952 from Dick Lane, otherwise known as Night Train Lane. He was able to get an insane 14 interceptions that season. 

Although Peterson would love to break his personal interception record, that is not his main goal this season. His biggest objective is proving all the nay-sayers wrong, like PFF.

"This year, when I get my eighth [interception], there won't be any disputation on where I should be at the end of the year." Peterson then said, "I didn't make anything last year and I thought I had a heck of a year."

The Steelers Can Use That Disrespect As Fuel

Peterson is not the only player who has been disrespected by PFF in the past. Players have seen it all, from disrespect toward the offensive line to even a little bit of Kenny Pickett slander. Although not being where you want to be in rankings may seem bad, the Steelers can use that disrespect as fuel to get to where they want to be. Peterson would then say that being disrespected is something that he is used to and that he feels that the teams that he has been on have never been respected.

"I don't feel any disrespect, because all the teams that I played on never got respect. I'm used to it at this point and at the end of the day, the games have to be played. We have to go out there and strap our cleats up and execute the game plan."

One thing that Peterson is hungry for is a Super Bowl ring. That is the one thing that he needs to top off his legacy. When he was deciding where to choose during free agency, this was one of the many factors for him. If the Steelers aren't able to get him on by the time his career is over, then he will join the list of names like Dan Marino and Barry Sanders who never got the opportunity to hoist a Lombardi Trophy.

"[I am] hoping I can come in there and help the room and help the team get where the fans see them. And that's hoisting another one of those Lombardi Trophies."

So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Peterson be able to finish his career as a Super Bowl champion? Let me know in the comments below!

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