Peterson played high school football at McKinley High School in Canton, Ohio, where he was a teammate of former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels' brother Ben McDaniels.

Peterson was also a star basketball player achieving all-city selection as a senior.

During his senior season, he was honored with second-team All-Big Ten Conference and helped his team win the BCS National Championship Game.

He finished his college career with 84 tackles, 12 sacks, one interception, and three forced fumbles.

Peterson was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 2003 NFL draft.