Recently Adrian Peterson announced that he would be deciding on the next step in his career by the end of April. Most would assume he will be announcing his retirement. After 14 seasons in the NFL, it is time for the Hall of Fame running back to hang up the cleats. Peterson was drafted in 2007 and stayed in the purple and gold until 2017. Everyone knows how spectacular of a player he was. No doubt one of the best players to ever play in Minnesota, he will go down as one of the best running backs ever.
The impact he created on this franchise was like no other. Instantly impacting the game and drawing in the crowds. He was fierce and fast, truly an unbelievable specimen. His talents made any Vikings game must-watch TV. Peterson carried the Vikings through the late 2000s and most of the 2010s. No one will ever forget his dominance on the field.
To give some perspective on just how dominant Peterson was, let’s look at the stats. Peterson rushed for 1,000 yards, 7 times. Topping out at 2097 yards in his MVP season, which was the last time a non-QB had won the award. He amassed 120 touchdowns. Peterson made 4 All pro teams and 7 pro bowls. These stats show how dominant he was in a time full of amazing running backs. Peterson was able to go above and beyond everyone else.
Every single person in Minnesota above the age of 10 knows who Adrian Peterson is, he’s that impactful. You don’t even have to like football in order to know who he is. Going to U.S Bank stadium you can spot the magical number 28 everywhere. The pride fans have in him is incredible. The Vikings have had many superstars, but no one quite like this. Little kids will even tell you that he is their favorite player of all time. Being a good player is one thing, but leaving an impactful legacy is another. Peterson did just that. You can still hear Paul Allen screaming “And he’s loose!” after Peterson ripped off another 50+ yard run. It was magic all in one person. His highlight tape is iconic among everyone. He could truck someone one play, and then the next play he was juking the defender and bursting ahead of the defense.
Peterson did everything that was expected of him and more, he was the true champion of the franchise. No matter what you were doing, everyone turned on the TV to watch AD (All Day) destroy the defense. His run style was not only iconic but revolutionary. He was the full package and more.
The best days of football are behind Peterson, but he displayed a type of talent that may never be seen again. If Peterson decides to retire, nobody will ever forget that number 28, it will live on forever in Vikings lore and beyond.
