Corey Peters retires from the NFL after 13 seasons

A former Cat is hanging it up after a long and successful NFL career. Defensive lineman Corey Peters, who played for Kentucky from 2006-09, announced today that he’s retiring after 13 seasons in the league. The 34-year-old totaled 336 tackles, 19 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries in 164 career games.

Peters was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft and spent five seasons with the team. In 2015, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals, where he stayed for six seasons. In 2022, Peters joined the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad and made the active roster midway through the season, finishing with 20 total tackles.

“After much prayerful consideration I’ve decided to retire from the NFL,” Peters wrote on social media. “The last thirteen years have been incredible. I’m grateful I’ve had the chance to compete at the highest level of the game.”

After thanking God and his family and friends, Peters thanked each club for which he played.

“A special thank you to the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Jacksonville Jaguars for being a vital part of making my dreams come true. I feel privileged to have lined up next to my teammates. My most valuable possession is the memories we’ve created together. Please know that I am your brother for life and that it was an immense privilege to compete with you.

“Sincerely, I never imagined that I would continue playing football professionally for this long. I’ll always be appreciative of the time I’ve had, but now is the time to take on a fresh challenge. I’m not sure what’s coming up, but I’m excited to see where life takes me!”

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A post shared by Corey Peters (@coreypeters98)

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A former four-star recruit out of Louisville Central, Peters signed with Kentucky in the spring of 2006 and was a key member of the teams that turned the program around in the Rich Brooks Era. During his four years in Lexington, he totaled 152 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 8 fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Peters was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award by both the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals for his work in the community. In Phoenix, he started a bi-weekly book club, The Corey Peters Playbook, with the South Pointe School District to promote literacy and improve social skills. He also distributed care packages to families in need during the holidays and before the start of the school year. The school district sent Peters a thank you letter to inform him of the honor, which prompted an emotional response.

"Every team, school and person should have a Corey Peters."@CoreyPeters91 received an emotional 'thank you' letter from one of the many schools he helps on a daily basis.#WPMOYChallenge + Peters pic.twitter.com/QimzU3sK62

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 11, 2020

Congrats on a successful career, Corey, and best of luck with what’s next.