Patrick Peterson Explains Why Deion’s Technique Isn’t for Everyone

Patrick Peterson is no stranger to the art of cornerback play. A future Hall of Famer with elite instincts and footwork, he has spent years perfecting the technical side of his craft. But when it comes to teaching the next generation of defensive backs, Peterson has one clear rule: Don’t try to be Deion Sanders.

On Cam Newton’s podcast, “4th & 1 with Cam Newton,” the two NFL veterans dove into the details of playing defensive back. Newton asked Peterson which technique he prefers — specifically when it comes to breaking on routes.

Peterson didn’t hesitate.

“Me, I prefer the T-step,” he said. “Because it’s kinda each your own. It’s gonna be times that you can come out of there, sometimes you’re gonna have to use the T-step but I would say 80 percent of the time, if you wanna come out of a break clean, you’re using the T-step.”

The T-step is a traditional footwork technique for defensive backs in which the foot is planted sideways to initiate a change in direction or rapid break to the receiver.