Arizona Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson on his tech-focused investing decisions
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Arizona Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson has been named a Pro Bowler during his first five seasons in the NFL and is arguably one of the league’s best defensive backs.
An Under Armour endorser, the 26-year-old Peterson recently gave a $1 million donation to LSU’s football program, is not shy about his “impeccable” style and during the current season, has the No. 8-selling defensive jersey at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Prior to the Cardinals hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Peterson shared his thoughts with SportTechie on being a shareholder in HyperIce, a company that sells high-performance and recovery products. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla. native also discussed his investing decisions, other tech-focused companies he is involved with and where he sees himself in 15 years. The below interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
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1) You are a shareholder in HyperIce with current athletes like Blake Griffin, Lindsey Vonn, Rudy Gay and others. What impressed you about the HyperIce technology enough to make you become a shareholder?
As I learn more and more about my body, I have realized that it’s not only how hard you train, but how smart you train. Just as I apply this motto to my training routine, I also apply it to my injury prevention and recovery routines. Using HyperIce products is a no-brainer for me. When it comes to recovery tools, there is nothing else available on the market that works as effectively.
After using the HyperIce line and seeing amazing results in my flexibility and overall movement, I realized how great the company was, and I wanted to be a part of its mission to help other athletes and everyday people move better. It’s a win-win for me — I’m a shareholder in an awesome brand, and I’m helping other people stay healthy longer.
2) How did you first hear about HyperIce? What were your first impressions about the company?
I heard about HyperIce back in 2014 when a trainer suggested that I use the VYPER to help increase my circulation and blood-flow. In addition to helping with those issues, the vibration technology within the VYPER helped loosen sore muscles after training sessions, and I saw an increase in my flexibility – something that’s really important for my position.
3) As an elite athlete, have you seen more players using HyperIce over the past 18 months or so? How have you helped spread HyperIce use within the NFL and with other athletes outside of football?
Definitely, as the HyperIce brand continues to grow in popularity I’ve seen a huge uptick in the number of athletes that use the line. I can’t go anywhere without spotting devices in gym bags or seeing them used on the sidelines at sporting events.
I’ve helped spread the HyperIce mission within the NFL amongst my teammates. I’ve also introduced many youth athletes to HyperIce products and the importance of recovery through my dad’s facility, World Class Speed, where he prepares young athletes for football careers in college and on professional teams.
4) How do decide which companies you want to become a shareholder in? Who from your side is part of the conversation and why?
I ask myself a few different questions — Do I believe in this product/company? Does the company’s mission align with my values? And is this a financially smart decision? If I answer “no” to any of these questions then I can’t get behind that company because I don’t truly believe in it.
Also, I have great team around me. This particular opportunity was brought to me by my brand manager Alex Guerrero, of Elite Sports Society. He is a former NFL athlete/entrepreneur and understands that when I get involved in something I have to be passionate about it as both a businessman and an athlete. It’s great to have someone like Alex in my corner that sees eye-to-eye with me.
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5) Outside of HyperIce, are you a shareholder/investor in any other sports tech/general companies? If not, what types of companies could you see yourself working with/investing in down the road and why?
In addition to HyperIce, I work with a couple other great new companies that I’m involved with as an ambassador and investor. These companies are [pH]UEL 5.0, another product I am using to improve my on-field performance, and Muzik, a new connected headphone company. I also have started a passion project in P2 Golf where I support aspiring golfers looking to chase their dreams of going pro. I would like to keep future opportunities in the sports industry since it’s something I’m passionate about. I enjoy working with companies that are focused on helping athletes and everyday people improve their athletic ability.
I think health is a major issue in our country, and I’d like to do everything in my power to help people stay healthy and active for as long as possible.
6) You’re still in your mid-20s but you’re already looking at life after football from a business/life standpoint. When did that become a focus for you and why?
I don’t see myself slowing down anytime soon. I love football and it’s definitely my passion. However, I do think it’s important to look ahead and start thinking about life after my football career. It’s is just something naturally in my DNA that I want to be better today than I was yesterday.
I’ve always been a forward thinker so investments in my future have always been on my mind. I’m grateful that I’m in a position where I can make these types of financial decisions, I know not everyone can.
7) The old clichéd phrase was “athletes want to be rappers and rappers want to be athletes.” In 2016, it seems like athletes now want to be their own tech/media companies. What is attractive about the tech/media world for athletes to want to get into those spaces?
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I don’t know…maybe it’s because we have too much time on our hands haha —I’m just kidding! In all seriousness, tech is the future, and I think a lot of athletes realize that it’s an industry that will only continue to grow.
8) In 15 years, once football is over, where do you see yourself from a business standpoint?
I’m making financial decisions now that I know will set me up for the future. In 15 years, I hope these decisions will allow me to continue living a comfortable lifestyle so I can focus on things that matter like spending time with my family and helping others.
I’d also like to pay it forward to young athletes and help them be the best they can be so they can enjoy success just like I have been able to. That’s why I love HyperIce so much. They make quality products that help athletes achieve optimal performance, and that’s a mission I’m proud to get behind.
