Peterson’s other spectacular return this calendar year capped his first season in Purple, delivering a 66-yard touchdown from an interception in the 2021 Finals on Jan. 9.
The pick-six was Peterson’s first interception of the season, but it ensured his streak of nabbing at least one pass each year was extended to 11.
Now he’ll be looking to make it a dandy dozen while providing veteran leadership to a Vikings cornerbacks room who, despite the experience, is still a little short on experience recent signing of Chandon Sullivan.
Peterson started all 13 games he played for Minnesota in 2021. The three games he missed due to a hamstring injury sustained at Carolina were the first he had missed through injury. Peterson also missed a game after being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list despite being fully vaccinated.
In his first season with Minnesota, Peterson wasn’t challenged as often as other Vikings corners, but he recorded five passes defended and 45 tackles (two for losses).
He has played in 167 regular-season games and started each since his pick by Arizona with the fifth overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. Peterson has saved a total of 544 tackles, 29 interceptions and 96 passes during his career.
The 167 starts ranks third among NFL DBs since 2011 behind Devin McCourty (172) and Malcolm Jenkins (170). Jenkins announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Peterson’s 29 interceptions are Harrison Smith’s third most since 2011 among players active in Week 18, behind only Richard Sherman (37) and Marcus Peters (31).