After four years with the Colts and six with the Jaguars, Mike Peterson’s final four seasons in the NFL were spent with the Falcons. Walking away from the game is difficult, but Peterson made sure he would be prepared for that day. He wasted no time starting this new chapter and, with just six credit hours left at the University of Florida, the first thing Peterson did after retiring was earn his degree.
“I’ve always dreamed of two things,” said the former linebacker. “Playing in the NFL and earning my college degree. I also had promised my grandma I would do it for her.”
Returning to the NFL as a coach is Peterson’s focus now and he started working his way up the ranks by joining Florida’s coaching staff as a grad assistant last season.
“My experience with coaching has been great,” said Peterson. “I’m lucky enough to be back at the University of Florida full time and shar- ing my experiences with young men as I learn the profession.”
Peterson’s four years in Atlanta saw the franchise reach new heights.
During his first season with the Falcons, the franchise completed its first back-to-back winning seasons with a 9-7 record. Atlanta then made the playoffs three straight times, including his final year as a pro in 2012. Before joining the Falcons in 2009, Peterson played in Jacksonville where his relationship with Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith began.
Smith was the defensive coordinator in Jacksonville from 2003-07 before taking the job in Atlanta. When Peterson joined the Falcons in 2009 it was a reunion with not only his former coach, but a great friend.
“It was a unique situation,” explained Peterson. “I would always let him be my head coach but at the same time, we always had a friendship, too. He is a very detailed and organized type of person and those are traits he taught me that I’ll always have.”
Peterson’s work on the field has always matched his desire to make an impact in the community and life after the football has not changed that.
“I’ve always believed you make your mark by the difference you make, not by how many tackles or interceptions you have,” said Peterson.
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