Steelers Gave Patrick Peterson An Exclusive Opportunity To Immerse In Excellence

When the Pittsburgh Steelers released cornerback Patrick Peterson after only one year, most fans assumed the organization would swing for the fences in the 2024 NFL Draft and grab a corner early, but that didn't happen. Instead, the team chose to go heavy on offense early in the draft. The Steelers did select Ryan Watts in the sixth round, but he is hardly ready to replace the former eight-time Pro Bowler, no matter how long Peterson has gotten in the tooth.

The Steelers also hope to have Cory Trice Jr. return in 2024 to join second-year man Joey Porter Jr. While Trice hasn't fully recovered from his rookie season ACL injury, he has made significant strides and was at Organized Team Actvities (OTAs). That still leaves a hole and a possibility for the team to bring Peterson back on a more team-friendly deal. 

Since the beginning, Peterson has been vocal about his desire to return to Pittsburgh for at least one last season. His goal has always been 14 seasons, and the black and gold is the ideal place to finish that dream. On his podcast, All Things Covered, which he co-hosts with his cousin, former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden, he explained that he sees Pittsburgh as a special place, unique in many ways to other teams. 

"I was around a bunch of guys that I enjoy being around each and every day coming into the work building. No matter what the circumstances were everybody in that building had the same common goal - is to put our best foot forward and try to win this game that's in front of us. It's not many teams I've been a part of that everybody, including the organization, has been on board with that. To be a part of that, to know you're going to get a fighting chance each and every opportunity, every chance you step out there on the fields and the best from your organization, you can't do nothing but respect that."

That winning attitude means something to Peterson, who has been chasing a Lombardi since being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in 2011. Peterson joined the team in 2023 following an illustrious and highly successful career. 

During his time in Pittsburgh, he saw the team go through various misfortunes and struggles, including several injuries, the firing of an offensive coordinator, and a quarterback controversy. The team didn't let any of it get them down. They kept their eye on the prize. 

Unfortunately, Father Time caught up to Peterson, and despite his efforts, he was moved all around the secondary to see where he most benefited the team. He ended up as a bit of a hybrid safety. However, his football IQ and leadership skills remained intact, and the team relied on Peterson to mentor younger guys like Porter. While Peterson's future in the Steel City has yet to be determined, as McFadden pointed out, "20" has still not been given out. 

Former Steelers CB Patrick Peterson All In On Mike Tomlin

Peterson has told everyone who will listen about his desire to play at least one more season for Pittsburgh. When asked about the tradition of excellence he finds so attractive, he points the finger at one man, Head Coach Mike Tomlin. 

He recently shared on the Jim Rome Show that he respects Tomlin greatly. Peterson told Rome that Tomlin is the glue that held the 2023 team together when times got tough towards the end of the season. He said Tomlin's coaching style and leadership created a bond between the two, and he expects the team to improve in 2024.   

These sentiments about Tomlin are not unusual. He is well-known as a player's coach and is beloved throughout the league. Whenever new players sign with the Steelers, they almost always cite a desire to play with Tomlin as a reason they said yes. 

What do you think about Peterson's thoughts on the Steelers? Do you agree that the organization focuses top-down on winning a Super Bowl? Click to comment below.

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