Patrick Peterson, an 8-time Pro Bowler, recently brought one such technique, the “T-step,” back into the spotlight.
During a candid chat, he shared why he relies on it to make clean breaks, while also tipping his hat to Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who excelled without it due to his exceptional natural talent. Fans debate whether refined technique or natural ability matters more in the NFL today.
Patrick Peterson Revives the “T-Step” Technique, Explains Deion Sanders Was Built Different
Patrick Peterson has been a force at cornerback for over a decade. With eight Pro Bowl nods and three First-Team All-Pro selections, he’s earned the right to weigh in on defensive tactics.
Deion Sanders, meanwhile, is a legend in the game. Known as “Prime Time,” he racked up eight Pro Bowls, six First-Team All-Pro honors, and a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. When Peterson talks about technique and Sanders, it’s a clash of expertise and history worth unpacking.
100%…
T-Step is a foundational skill all DBs must master, regardless of age or talent.
Are there DBs that can speed step or cycle through?
Of course, but as Peterson explains, there’s a time & place for it.
Only teaching techs that were mastered by HOF’ers is bad practice. https://t.co/NU9EVqWTtr
— Cody Alexander (@The_Coach_A) May 20, 2025
So, what is T-step all about? It’s a footwork move that helps defensive backs shift direction fast and smoothly. Say a corner plant’s one foot toward where he’s headed, keeping the other foot flat to form a “T” shape, then pushing off to explode into action. Peterson swears by it.
In the interview, he said, “Me, I prefer the T-step. I will have to say 80% of the time, if you wanna come out of a break clean, you’re using a T-step.” For him, it’s the go-to for shedding false steps and sticking with receivers.
Cutting out wasted steps lets a defensive back react to a receiver’s cut or a quarterback’s throw without losing ground; that split-second advantage can mean breaking up a pass or watching a touchdown.
Think about guys like Tyreek Hill or Justin Jefferson, who can change direction on a dime. For a cornerback, keeping up means having your footwork dialed in. The T-step allows players to stay balanced and burst into motion, something you’ll see taught at every level from high school to the pros.
KEEP READING: Why Deion Sanders and the Buffs Are College Football’s Biggest Villains
Peterson didn’t hold back when he called Sander “an anomaly” and “God gifted” in the same interview. Sanders didn’t need the T-step to dominate. His speed, clocked at a blazing 4.27 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and an almost psychic feel for the game, let him play on another level.
A closer look at his old highlights shows that he’s picking off passes and blanketing receivers like it’s nothing. Sanders played shutdown coverage, erasing top receivers without always leaning on structured moves like the T-step. For most players, that’s a pipe dream. Sanders made it a reality.
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