Peterson makes history

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson made history on Sunday during his team’s 25-21 win over the Detroit Lions. Aside from contributing four tackles in his normal role as a defensive player, he contributed with a one-of-kind milestone on the offensive side of the ball.

Peterson hauled in a 17-yard pass reception, his fifth career catch, from Carson Palmer in the third quarter. Then, in the following offensive series, he threw a 17-yard strike to wide receiver Kerry Taylor. In doing so, Peterson became the first defensive player since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to register a pass reception and a completion in the same game.

The gloves Peterson wore in the game and the ball he completed to Taylor were donated to the Hall of Fame by the Cardinals. The ball and gloves arrived at the Hall on Thursday morning and were placed on exhibit in the Pro Football Today Gallery. 

This marks the second time the Hall of Fame has recognized milestone moments by Peterson. During his 2011 rookie season, he tied the NFL’s single-season record with four punt return touchdowns, including a 99-yard return to beat the St. Louis Rams in overtime on November 6. His cleats from the return, a record-tying distance for overtime, became a part of the Hall’s permanent collection.