Steelers CB Patrick Peterson Wants to Wear Ben Roethlisberger's Number
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers made a pretty big splash, letting Cam Sutton leave for the Detroit Lions and instead signing future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson.
Peterson and the Steelers agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth $14 million. Pittsburgh they got a starting cornerback that can mentor their incoming rookies. For Peterson, he gets to finish his career with a team who's in the hunt for a championship - but something needs to be ironed out first.
Peterson did an emergency episode of the All Things Covered Podcast with his co-host and former Steeler Bryant McFadden, and was asked about what number he'd like to wear. His answer was No. 7, which holds pretty high ground in Pittsburgh.
"When I got to my junior and senior year, I had a change of heart," Peterson said. "Cause my dad, he was No. 7. He was a Blanche Ely legend as well. My first name was Patrick at the time. My last name was Johnson and my dad’s name is Patrick Peterson. So, being a kid, you always want to follow after your dad footsteps. And when I got to high school, all you hear about, ‘Man, Pat Pete used to do this when he was in high school. Man, he used to do that when he was in high school.’ So, I was like when I get on varsity, I want to rock No. 7 to be just like pops."
Now, the Steelers haven't retired Ben Roethlisberger's No. 7, and they likely won't, possibly ever. They have a code, and that code is to be as minimal as possible about retiring players' numbers.
That being said, there's also an honor in Pittsburgh where certain players' numbers are off the table - and Big Ben's is certainly one of them.
Which Peterson recognizes.
Peterson has also worn No. 2 and No. 21, which is currently held by safety Tre Norwood. With two years left in the NFL, though, it'll be interesting to see which number he finishes his career with.
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