The Arizona Cardinals have big plans for cornerback Patrick Peterson.
He’s already been used as a kick returner and on offense in addition to being named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons in the league. His talent is undeniable and Cardinals’ general manager Steve Keim believes Peterson belongs in a group among some of the most freakish athletes to play in the NFL in the last 30 years.
“From an ability standpoint, I’ve never seen anything like him. He’s the closest thing in the league to a Bo Jackson, a Deion Sanders,” Keim said in an interview with Robert Klemko of TheMMQB.com. “I’ve seen him stand on the field flat-footed and throw the ball 65-70 yards. He goes out to practice as a wideout, and runs a 10- and 15-yard out as well as anyone on our team. His value to our team is really unparalleled.”
Both Jackson and Sanders managed to play in the NFL and in the major leagues in baseball during their careers. Jackson saw his football career cut short in just his fourth season in the league due to a hip injury. Sanders, like Peterson, played everywhere during his Hall of Fame career from kick returns to cornerback to wide receiver. But both were considered to be among the most gifted athletes in the league when they played.
Keim feels that Peterson has become a different player with two years of experience under his belt.
“I’ve never been a part of a team with a more valuable defensive player,” Keim said. “Then you consider the guy can really help you in three phases of the game—defense, special teams and now as a receiver. He is one of a kind.”