Veteran Defensive Tackle Corey Peters Retiring

A veteran defensive lineman is hanging up his cleats. Corey Peters took to Twitter today to announce his retirement from the NFL after 13 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

After much prayerful consideration I’ve decided to retire from the NFL. The last thirteen years have been incredible. I'm grateful I’ve had the chance to compete at the highest level of the game.
— Corey M. Peters (@CoreyPeters91) April 6, 2023

Peters appeared in an amazing 164 games over his career, starting 135 of them. The Falcons drafted him in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft as a quick-footed pass-rushing specialist at defensive tackle: he recorded an explosive 4.98-second 40-yard dash and an impressive 33" vertical leap at the 2010 NFL Combine while weighing in at only 300 lbs. He eventually grew into his frame and transitioned into an imposing run-stuffer; he was listed at 6'3" and 335 lbs in his final season.

Peters is 34 years old, but he had yet to show real signs of decline. Though never a Pro Bowler or superstar, he played with consistency that would have allowed him to be an asset for years to come. He appeared in 12 games for the Jaguars last season, notching 20 total tackles and five tackles for loss. He likely could have latched on as a rotational defensive line for a team that needed veteran depth, but he'll instead leave the game on his own terms.