Former LSU Star Patrick Peterson Named To 2026 SEC Football Legends Class

The Southeastern Conference announced its 2026 Football Legends Class on Thursday, with former LSU All-American cornerback Patrick Peterson among the 16 honorees.

Peterson, who played at LSU from 2008-2010, was one of the nation's top defensive players during his time in Baton Rouge before becoming the No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Peterson's selection comes one year after former LSU standout Tyrann Mathieu was honored as part of the SEC's 2025 Football Legends Class.

A look at Peterson's accomplishments at LSU:

-2010 Jim Thorpe Award winner
-2010 Chuck Bednarik Award winner
-2010 SEC Defensive Player of the Year
-2010 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year
-2010 Consensus First-Team All-American
-Finished his LSU career with 135 tackles, 22 pass breakups and seven interceptions
-Selected No. 5 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft

quote:

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LSU – Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, 2008-10
Patrick Peterson, a three-year starter at cornerback for LSU, capped his college career in 2010 as the nation’s top defensive back, winning the Thorpe Award and Bednarik Award, earning consensus first-team All-America honors, while being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Special Teams Player of the Year. That season he posted 42 tackles, four interceptions, and six pass breakups while doubling as an elite returner, scoring twice on punts and ranking among the national leaders in punt and kickoff returns. Over 39 games and 30 starts from 2008 to 2010, the Pompano Beach, Florida, product finished with 135 tackles, 22 pass breakups, and seven interceptions, scoring touchdowns on a punt return, an interception, and a blocked field goal. As a sophomore he earned second-team All-America recognition. Arizona drafted him fifth overall in 2011. He played 13 NFL seasons for the Cardinals, Vikings and Steelers, made eight Pro Bowls, and was a three-time All-Pro.

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The 2026 SEC Football Legends Class will be recognized in Atlanta during SEC Championship weekend, December 4-5.

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