Peterson vows to help Cardinals 'for years to come'
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Three-time All-Pro cornerback Patrick Peterson backed off his request to be traded from the Arizona Cardinals, saying "it came at a bad time and I was just frustrated" about how badly the season has gone when he made it.
"Honestly I don't really want to dwell on the situation on what happened. I said what I said," Peterson said after practice Wednesday. "The news came out Monday. It is what it is. It's business. We're moving forward."
Asked why he'd sought a trade, Peterson, a Pro Bowl selection in each of his seven seasons with Arizona, said simply, "You see the record."
The Cardinals are 1-6 heading into Sunday's home game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Peterson seemed resigned that he isn't going anywhere.
"I've got two years left on my contract," Peterson said, "so I'm here."
Earlier Wednesday, Peterson issued a statement vowing to continue to give his all to his team for "years to come," adding, "I am an Arizona Cardinal."
Peterson's statement, released through Twitter, said he has "been incredibly frustrated with how the season has gone."
In the statement, Peterson went on to say that he is "100 percent focused on being part of the solution & helping us turn this around. I have always given my all to the Cardinals organization, my teammates and fans."
Peterson said he had a conversation with team President Michael Bidwill, and while he prefers to keep details of that to himself, Peterson came away convinced that Bidwill is doing all he can to make sure the Cardinals are putting the best product on the field.
"We're in a good place. We'll move forward from what happened the other day," Peterson said. "I think we definitely have a clear understanding."
Peterson said that "at the end of the day I'm here, I'm an Arizona Cardinal. My teammates know that I fight for those guys each and every day I go out on the field. There's a reason I've got that 'C' on that chest and I want to continue to lead by example."
Coach Steve Wilks, who when asked about the trade request on Monday said the team would not deal Peterson, said Wednesday that he and Peterson spoke that day but would not comment on that conversation.
"We're all frustrated right now, based on the situation that we're in, 1-6," Wilks said. "My thoughts and opinions haven't changed since the things I talked about on Monday."
Safety Antoine Bethea said Peterson, a team captain, is committed.
"I think everybody's frustration is high," Bethea said. "Pat's one of the guys. He's never been a cancer, he's not that type of person, he's not that type of player."
NOTE: WR Larry Fitzgerald and DB Tre Boston did not participate in practice Wednesday. Fitzgerald is dealing with a hamstring issue. QB Josh Rosen (foot) was limited but said he is fine, and Wilks said he expects all three to play on Sunday.
