It seems like every year at the Waste Management Phoenix Open that something happens which we’ve never seen before on the par-3 16th hole. This year is no different, as Wednesday saw Arizona Cardinals’ defensive back Patrick Peterson publicly apologize to Cards fans in attendance for his trade demands last year.
Peterson was one of many pro athletes who took part in the Phoenix Open Pro Am on Wednesday (others included Justin Verlander, Emmitt Smith, and more). His big moment came after hitting his tee shot on 16.
After his ball settled safely on the green, Peterson took the mic from the MC and asked for the music to be turned down. Once the place got quiet, he gave a message to all Arizona Cardinals fans in the crowd.
“I just want to apologize to everybody for asking for that trade in the middle of the season,” Peterson said. “I’m here to stay, baby!”
The PGA Tour tweeted a video of the moment, which Peterson then retweeted, adding a simple message, “FACTS.”
"Here to stay."@P2 had a message for all of the @AZCardinals fans in attendance @WMPhoenixOpen Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/0iNUnyOWsW
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 30, 2019
Last October, with the Arizona Cardinals mired in a 1-6 hole, Peterson made it known that he was desperate for a trade. In the end, the Cardinals did not grant the Pro Bowler his request.
Things didn’t get any better for Arizona’s NFL franchise as the season went on. They won just two more games the rest of the way, finishing with an abysmal 3-13 record. But despite that, the two sides seemed to have settled their differences.
The par-3 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course has seen its fair share of bizarre moments in the past. That’s kind of the point. But Peterson’s public apology wasn’t the only NFL-related thing that happened there during yesterday’s pro am. Jordan Spieth was filmed playing catch with Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Rickie Fowler donned a New England Patriots jersey, a decidedly less popular move to the Arizona fans.
