Could Adrian Peterson set all kinds of NFL records?
If Adrian Peterson reared tomorrow, he’d be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. However, don’t expect that press conference anytime soon.
Peterson, 35, told reporters on Wednesday he would like to. keep playing another four seasons, per TMZ. If he does, he’d be the oldest running back to lace up cleats in some time, bucking the notion a player his position is all but finished at 30 years old.
After a quality season with the Washington Redskins in which he gained 898 rushing yards on 4.3 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns, Peterson still feels strong enough to see longevity in his future. Per NFL.com:
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“I don’t want to ever be in a position where I look back and say, ‘Man, I should have played two more years, I should have played another year.’ I want to enjoy it. I’m still chasing a championship. You know, I still can play the game at a high level. For those reasons, and having that love and passion for the game, I’m going to continue to keep the ball rolling.”
Through 13 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals and Redskins, Peterson has rushed for 14,216 yards and 111 touchdowns. Those stats rank fifth and fourth all-time in the NFL record books.
If Peterson were to play another four seasons and gain 3,000 yards and score 25 touchdowns, he would then rank second only to Emmitt Smith, and third in scores on the ground behind Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson.
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In short, Peterson is unlikely to break either record, but he has a real shot to finish top-three in both categories of not second behind Smith.
Regardless, Peterson holds one of the all-time resumes in league history. A 2007 first-round pick out of the University of Oklahoma, the Texas native has notched seven Pro Bowls appearances, been a four-time First-Team All-Pro and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro. He was also named the 2012 NFL MVP, becoming the last non-quarterback to earn the award. That season, Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards on 6.0 yards per carry, also earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Now, in the apparent twilight of his career, Adrian Peterson will keep his legs moving, hoping to stay on the field a few more years while chasing down records and perhaps, a ring.
