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Adrian Peterson

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This article is about the Minnesota Vikings running back. For the former Chicago Bears running back, see Adrian Peterson (American football, born 1979).
Adrian Peterson
File:Adrian Peterson 2010.jpg
Adrian Peterson in 2010
No. 28     Minnesota Vikings
Running back
Personal information
Date of birth: (1985-03-21) March 21, 1985 (age 39)
Place of birth: Palestine, Texas[1][2][3]
High School: Palestine (TX)
Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) Weight: 217 lb (98 kg)
Career information
College: Oklahoma
NFL Draft: 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7
Debuted in 2007 for the Minnesota Vikings
Career history
* Minnesota Vikings ( 2007–present)
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
* 2008 NFL MVP (MX)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2013
Rushing yards     10,115
Yards per carry     5.0
Rushing TDs     86
Receptions     206
Receiving yards     1,697
Receiving TDs     5
Stats at NFL.com

Adrian Lewis Peterson[1] (born March 21, 1985) is an American football running back for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL).[6] Peterson was selected by the Vikings with the seventh overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. Peterson played college football for the University of Oklahoma, and set the NCAA freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards as a true freshman during the 2004 season. As a unanimous first-team All-American, he became the first freshman to finish as the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy balloting. Peterson finished his college football career as the Sooners' third all-time leading rusher.[7]

Following his first pro season, in which he set an NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game (296), Peterson was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.[8] He was then awarded the MVP award for his performance in the Pro Bowl and became only the fifth player in NFL history to have more than 3,000 yards through his first two seasons. In 2010, he became the fifth fastest player to run for 5,000 yards, doing so in his 51st game. In 2012, Peterson became the sixth fastest player to reach 8,000 rushing yards, ending the season with 2,097 rushing yards, just nine yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's single season all-time record. Peterson amassed 2,314 all-purpose yards from scrimmage in 2012, tying Marcus Allen for the eighth-highest total ever. For his efforts, he received the NFL MVP Award and the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award for the 2012 NFL season. Peterson also achieved the #1 spot on the NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2013.[9] In the 2013-2014 season, Peterson became the 3rd fastest player to reach 10,000 rushing yards in NFL history.

Early years

Peterson was born in Palestine, Texas, to Bonita Brown and Nelson Peterson, who were also star athletes in college.[10] His father was a shooting guard for Idaho State, but his dream of an NBA career was derailed when a gun that his brother was cleaning discharged into his leg.[10][11] His mother, a three-time Texas state champion at Westwood High School, attended the University of Houston on an athletic scholarship and was a sprinter and long jumper.[10] Peterson's best friend was his older brother Brian. Peterson's father nicknamed him "All Day," because his father said he could go all day.[12]

Peterson is also the nephew of Ivory Lee Brown (a former NFL running back).

At age 7, Adrian saw his 9-year-old brother Brian killed by a drunk driver as he rode his bicycle.[12] It was around that time that Peterson began to deal with his pain through sports and became interested in football.[13] He was the star of the Pee Wee football team coached by his father and played in the popular Pop Warner Football program when he was 12.[1] When Peterson was 13, his father was arrested for laundering money for a crack cocaine ring.[12]

Peterson continued his interest in athletics into high school, where he competed in track and field, posting a wind-assisted time of 10.33 seconds[14] in the 100 meters (he has stated he has also posted a time of 10.19 seconds),[15] 21.23 seconds in the 200 meters and 47.6 seconds in the 400 meters, basketball, and football at Palestine High School.[16] Peterson was most notable in football, which he played during his junior and senior years.[17] During his sophomore year, he was not eligible to play for the Palestine High varsity football team.[10] Peterson's 2002–2003 campaign as a junior ended with 2,051 yards on 246 carries, an average of 8.3 yards per carry, and 22 touchdowns.[2] It was during his junior year that he began to attract the attention of Division I recruiters and realized he would likely have his pick of colleges after his senior year.[10]

As a senior in 2003–2004, he rushed for 2,960 yards on 252 attempts, an average of 11.7 yards per carry, and 32 touchdowns.[2] After a game, players from the other team asked for his autograph.[10] Following Maurice Clarett's unsuccessful attempt to sue the NFL over its age limit in 2004, there was considerable debate over whether any high school football player might be able to make the leap from the preps to the pro game. The player most frequently mentioned was Peterson.[18]

After considering schools such as Texas, Texas A&M, UCLA, Arkansas, and Miami,[19] he decided that he wanted to go to a school where he could be a difference-maker in a national championship run and narrowed his choices down to USC and Oklahoma.[10] Concluding his high school football career at the annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl, he led the West squad with 95 yards on 9 carries and scored 2 touchdowns, and announced at the game that he would attend college at Oklahoma.[20] Following his senior season, he was awarded the Hall Trophy as the U.S. Army National Player of the Year.[20] In addition, he was named the top high school player by College Football News and Rivals.com.[2]


Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40‡ Commit date
Adrian Peterson
RB 		Palestine, Texas Palestine High School 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) 217 lb (98 kg) 4.3 Jan 3,
2004 
Scout:File:5 stars.svg.png   Rivals:File:5 stars.svg.png   ESPN grade: 5
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 1 (RB)   Rivals: 1 (RB), 1 (TX), 1 National
‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
Note: In many cases, Scout and Rivals may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
In these cases, an average of the two was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.
Sources:


College career

Freshman season

AdrianPeterson

Peterson before a game against Washington Huskies.

Peterson attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played for coach Bob Stoops' Oklahoma Sooners football team from 2004 to 2006. During his freshman season at Oklahoma, Peterson broke several NCAA freshman rushing records, rushing for 1,925 yards and leading the nation in carries with 339.[6] In the first nine games of the season, he rushed for more than 100-yards, which is a freshman record.[21] He rushed for 100 yards in the season opener against Bowling Green,[22] 117 yards against Houston, 183 yards against Oregon, 146 yards against Texas Tech, 225 yards against Texas, 130 yards against Kansas State, and 122 yards against Kansas.[21][23]

Against Oklahoma State on October 30, 2004, Peterson had an 80-yard touchdown run and rushed for 161 yards in the third quarter, finishing with a career-high 249 yards.[24] Despite dislocating his left shoulder in the first half, he managed to run for 101 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries, his ninth straight 100-yard game, against Texas A&M.[25] In the next game, he saw little action because of his shoulder injury and finished with 58 yards, which ended his streak of consecutive games with at least 100 yards rushing at 9.[26] In a game versus Baylor, Peterson ran for 240 yards, including three second-half touchdowns,[27] and set the NCAA record for most 100-yard games by a freshman with 11 against Colorado.[28] Oklahoma, who were one of the poorest rushing teams the year before, became one of the nation’s best.

Despite his record-breaking season, he finished second to USC quarterback Matt Leinart in the Heisman Trophy voting.[6] Among other honors, he was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award,[29] and the first Oklahoma freshman recognized as a First-Team Associated Press All-American.[6] Peterson contributed to a perfect regular season for the Oklahoma Sooners and participated in the 2005 BCS National Championship Game with a berth to the 2005 Orange Bowl against USC Trojans.[29] USC retooled their defense to stop Peterson and limited him to just 82 yards, as the Trojans defeated the Sooners, 55–19. USC later vacated the win due to NCAA infractions. After the season, he had surgery on his left shoulder to strengthen the muscles around the joint.[10]

2004 Heisman Trophy Finalist Voting
Finalist First place votes
(3 pts. each) 		Second place votes
(2 pts. each) 		Third place votes
(1 pt. each) 		Total points
Matt Leinart 267 211 102 1325
Adrian Peterson 154 180 175 997
Jason White 171 149 146 957
Source:[30]

Sophomore season

In 2005, Peterson's playing time was limited by a broken foot.[2] He injured his ankle in the first Big 12 Conference game of the season against Kansas State.[31] Despite missing time in four games, he rushed for 1,208 yards and 14 touchdowns on 220 carries, finishing second in Big 12 rushing yardage.[6] His 2005 season was also notable for a career-long 84-yard touchdown run against Oklahoma State.[6] Oklahoma finished the season with an 8–4 record, the worst season since 1999. They finished third in the Big 12 behind the Texas Longhorns and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Sooners would represent the Big 12 in the Holiday Bowl where they defeated the sixth-ranked Oregon Ducks, 17–14.[32] On July 11, 2007, the NCAA announced the Sooners would have to vacate all victories from the 2005 season, including the bowl game, due to NCAA violations;[33] however, the decision was partially overturned in February 2008, and the NCAA reinstated the Sooners' 8–4 record from the season.[34] Upon the conclusion of the season, he was named a member of the All-Big 12 Conference team.[6]

Junior season

Adrian Peterson OUvsBSU

Peterson runs against Boise State in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.

Peterson's father, Nelson Peterson, was released from prison during the 2006 college football season and was able to watch his son as a spectator for the first time on October 14, 2006,[13] when Oklahoma played Iowa State. Oklahoma defeated Iowa State in that game, however, on the final drive for the Sooners, Peterson broke his collar bone when he attempted to dive into the end zone on a 53-yard touchdown run.[35] During a press conference on October 18, Peterson said he was told by doctors to expect to be out for 4–6 weeks.[36] At the time of the injury, Peterson needed only to gain 150 yards to pass Billy Sims as the University of Oklahoma's all-time leading rusher.[37] He was unable to return for the rest of the Sooners' regular season and missed seven games. The Sooners would turn to Allen Patrick, a junior, and Chris Brown, a freshman to replace Peterson. The team went on a seven game winning streak including winning the Big 12 Championship game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.[38] He returned for their last game against Boise State in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, where he rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown.[35] He refused to discuss his plans beyond the end of this season with the press.[36] He concluded his college football career with 1,112 rushing yards his final season, even after missing multiple games due to injury [39] for a total of 4,245 rushing yards (only three seasons).[40] He was 73 yards short of passing Billy Sims as Oklahoma's all-time leading rusher.[40]

Awards and honors

  • Hall Trophy (2004)
  • Associated Press first-team All-Freshman (2004)
  • Unanimous first-team All-American (2004)
  • Doak Walker Award finalist (2004)
  • Heisman Trophy finalist (2004)
  • Jim Brown Trophy (2004)
  • Sports Illustrated All-Decade Team (2009)
  • Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Award (2013)

Professional career

Pre-draft

On January 15, 2007, Peterson declared that he would forego his senior year of college and enter the 2007 NFL Draft.[41] Coming into the league, he was known as a tall, upright runner possessing a rare combination of speed, strength, agility, size, and vision, along with a highly aggressive running style.[2] His rare talent as both a great breakaway and power runner has often raised comparisons to past legends, including Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, O. J. Simpson, Franco Harris and Jim Brown.[42] Concerns about his injuries suffered during college were noted by the media and potential NFL teams.[7][13][43][44] He started 22 out of 31 games in his college career and had a dislocated shoulder his first year (although he did not miss any games), a high ankle sprain his sophomore year, and a broken collarbone his final year at Oklahoma.[7] His durability was a consideration for at least two teams in their draft analysis,[44] which impacted selection position. Prior to the 2007 NFL Draft, Peterson was compared by professional football scouts to Eric Dickerson.[45] ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. said of Peterson, "You can make the argument, [Peterson] is the best player in this draft, if not, certainly one of the top three."[46]

Pre-draft measureables
Ht Wt 40-yd dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP Wonderlic
6 ft 1⅜ in 217 lb 4.40[47] s 1.53 s 2.58 s 4.40 s 7.09 s 38.5 in 10 ft 7 in

Minnesota Vikings

On April 28, 2007, Peterson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Peterson was the first running back selected during the year's draft. At a press conference during the draft, Peterson announced, "My collarbone, I would say it's 90% healed. A lot of teams know that, and I don't see it stopping me from being prepared for the season."[49]

Peterson believed he was a player that a franchise could build around. In an interview with IGN following the NFL Draft, he said, "I'm a player who is coming in with the determination to turn a team around. I want to help my team get to the playoffs, win...and run wild. I want to bring people to the stands. I want people to come to the game to see what I can do next. Things like that can change the whole attitude of an organization. I want to win."[50] He later told the Star Tribune in an interview, "I want to be the best player to ever play this game."[51] Nearly three months after being drafted, he was signed by the Vikings on July 29, 2007. His contract was worth US$40.5 million over six years, with $17 million guaranteed.[52]

2007: Rookie Year

Peterson began his outstanding rookie season with high expectations for himself; he announced ambitious goals including being named Offensive Rookie of the Year and rushing for over 1,300 yards during the course of the year. The NFL's rushing record for a rookie was formerly held by Eric Dickerson at 1,808 yards.[53] Just 11 weeks into his rookie season with the Vikings, Peterson was well on his way to Dickerson's record and considered one of the elite running backs in the NFL.[54]

On August 10, Peterson made his professional debut in a preseason game against the St. Louis Rams.[55] Peterson ran for 33 yards on 11 carries with 1 catch for 2 yards.[56] On September 9, 2007, Peterson ran for 103 yards on 19 carries in his first NFL regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons.[57] In addition to his rushing yardage, he scored his first professional football touchdown on a 60-yard pass reception.[57] Over his first three regular season games, his 431 yards (271 rushing & 160 receiving) from scrimmage are a team record.[58] For his performance during the three games, Peterson received the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award for both September and October 2007.[59][60]

His breakout game as a professional came on October 14, 2007 against the Chicago Bears, highlighted by a three-touchdown performance and a then-franchise record of 224 yards rushing on 20 carries.[61] Peterson established additional team records for a rookie during this game, which included the most 100-yard games rushing and the longest touchdown run from scrimmage.[62] He also set an NFL rookie record with 361 all-purpose yards in a single game. His 607 rushing yards through the first five games of the season is second in NFL history to Eric Dickerson.[63] Following Peterson's record performance, Deion Sanders, now an NFL Network analyst, said about him: "He has the vision of a Marshall Faulk, the power of an Earl Campbell, and the speed of an Eric Dickerson. Let's pray he has the endurance of an Emmitt Smith."[64] He has also been compared to Walter Payton and Tony Dorsett by Star Tribune sports journalist Jim Souhan.[65]

Three weeks later, on November 4, 2007, Peterson broke his own franchise record as well as the NFL single game rushing yard record (previously held by Jamal Lewis since 2003) when he rushed for 296 yards on 30 carries and 3 touchdowns against the San Diego Chargers in a home game in Minneapolis.[66][67] That game was his second game of over 200 yards rushing, a feat no other rookie has ever accomplished in a season.[68] In addition to the NFL rushing record in a single game, it took him past 1,000 yards rushing for the year after just eight games.[68] His 1,036 rushing yards represents the best eight-game performance by a rookie in NFL history.[69]

AdrianPeterson-2008ProBowl

Peterson splitting defenders in the 2008 Pro Bowl

In honor of Peterson's record-breaking performance against the San Diego Chargers, the jersey he wore that day was sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On November 11, 2007, just a week later, Peterson injured the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee in a game against the Green Bay Packers.[70] The injury occurred in the third quarter of a 34–0 defeat at Lambeau Field on a low tackle by Packers cornerback Al Harris.[70] Almost a month after the injury, Peterson returned to action on December 2, 2007 against the Detroit Lions scoring 2 touchdowns and rushing for 116 yards.[71]

On December 17, Peterson played in his first Monday Night Football game, where he had 78 yards rushing, 17 yards receiving and 2 TDs. The next day he was named as the starting running back for the 2008 NFC Pro Bowl team. On January 2, he was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.[8]

On February 10, 2008, Peterson won the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl MVP award with 16 carries for 129 yards rushing along with 2 touchdowns. The 129 yards rushing was the 2nd most in Pro Bowl history. He was the first rookie since Marshall Faulk in 1994 to win the Pro Bowl MVP award.[72] Peterson and Faulk are currently the only NFL players to win both the NFL Pro Bowl MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in the same year. Peterson finished in second place in rushing yards (1341) in the 2007 season behind LaDainian Tomlinson, who finished with 1474 rushing yards.[73]

2008 season

20090104 Adrian Peterson (28)

Peterson in a 2008 NFC Wild Card game against the Eagles

Peterson and the Vikings entered the 2008 season with high expectations and as he did during his rookie season, Peterson set high goals for himself including a 2,000-yard campaign and the NFL MVP award.[74] Questions remained as to Peterson's durability and the ability of the Vikings offense to take the focus of opposing defenses off Peterson.

Peterson and the Vikings began the season with a 24–19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He finished with 103 yards on 19 carries along with a touchdown. In the following loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Peterson rushed for a then season-high 160 yards on 29 carries, and also recorded 4 receptions for 20 yards. However, Peterson was held to 77 yards on 17 carries and no score in their 20–10 win against the Carolina Panthers, partly because of a hamstring injury suffered the previous week. In the next game, a loss to Tennessee, Peterson rushed 18 times for 80 yards and scored 2 touchdowns along with 4 receptions for 21 yards. In the 30–27 win over the New Orleans Saints, Peterson was held to 32 yards on 21 carries, a 1.5 average. Against the Detroit Lions in the following week, Peterson rushed 25 times for 111 yards, but lost 2 fumbles. However, Peterson bounced back from the fumbles the following week against the Bears, totaling 22 carries for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Following a bye week, Peterson rushed 25 times for 139 yards and a touchdown in a victory over Houston. The contest marked the third straight 100-yard rushing game for Peterson and the Vikings. As of week 8, Peterson was second in the NFL in rushing yards with 823 yards, 172 yards behind Clinton Portis. In week 10, on Sunday, November 9, Peterson played in a victory against the Green Bay Packers 28–27. He had 30 carries for 192 yards. His longest run was 29 yards; the run was the game-winning touchdown. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry and also had 3 receptions. Peterson's stellar performance put him in the top spot for rushing yards this season, with 1015 yards.

Week 11 saw the Minnesota Vikings (5–4) at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6–3). Tampa Bay was coming off a bye week and was a notoriously difficult team to run against. Peterson was limited to 85 yards on just 19 carries, as the Vikings struggled to produce offense. In Week 12 Peterson was benched the first two offensive series vs. the Jaguars for being late to a team meeting, although he did amass 80 rushing yards and a TD. At the end of Week 12, Peterson became the NFL league leader for rushing yards again with 1,311 yards. Following Week 16, Peterson had 1,657 yards which led the league, and it was announced on December 18, Peterson would be the starting running back for the NFC Pro Bowl team. In his final regular season game in 2008, Peterson ran for 103 yards 21 carries, including a 67 yard touchdown run.

Peterson finished the season leading the league in rushing with 1,760 yards, which marks the third-most yards in a sophomore season behind Eric Dickerson's 2,105 yard season, and Chris Johnson's 2,006-yard season one year later. In Peterson's first 30 games he had 3,101 yards, which marks the 3rd best start to a career for running backs behind Eric Dickerson with 3,600 yards and Jim Brown with 3,144 yards. He became the fourth running back to lead the league in yards per game in his first two seasons along with Jim Brown, Earl Campbell, and Eric Dickerson. On January 14, 2009, Peterson was named to his second AP All-Pro team in two years.

2009 season

Prior to the start of the 2009 season, analysts of both the NFL Network and ESPN unanimously named Peterson the best running back in the NFL today. However, the arrival of Brett Favre, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, coming out of retirement brought both expectation and speculation about Peterson's new role in the offense. Head Coach Brad Childress, however, stated that he wanted to continue leaning on Peterson, giving him a large number of carries. Favre worked well into the offense through the first half of the season, re-establishing Peterson's ability with a passing attack. Peterson had 917 rushing yards through Week 10, while the Vikings had a record of 8–1.

Peterson opened the season by rushing for 180 yards on 25 carries and 3 touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns, setting a new Vikings franchise record for opening day rushing. He again broke the hundred-yard barrier in week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, with 143 yards and 22 carries. His next 100-yard effort came against the Lions, with 133 yards on 18 carries, and he was named the FedEx Ground Player of the Week.

In the playoffs, Minnesota defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34–3, but then lost to the Saints in an overtime thriller 31–28. Peterson rushed for 122 yards and 3 touchdowns. Peterson finished the year fifth in rushing and lost Fed-Ex Ground player of the year to Chris Johnson who had over 2,000 yards rushing on the 2009 season. Peterson was voted to the Pro Bowl December 29 as the starting running back for the NFC team.

2010 season

Peterson opened strongly in 2010, with 392 yards and 3 touchdowns through the first 3 weeks. In week 6, he went over the 5,000 yard career rushing mark against the Dallas Cowboys. At week 7, Peterson was second in the league with 684 yards, averaging 114 yards per game, but the Vikings had dropped to a disappointing mark of 2–4. By Week 16, Peterson had rushed for 1,267 yards with 12 touchdowns, as the Vikings improved to a 6–9 record. Peterson, who was infamous for fumbling the ball in previous seasons, had a dramatic change in the 2010 season with only one fumble during the regular season, a remarkable turnaround from his previous performances. While the Vikings missed the playoffs, Peterson represented his team in the Pro Bowl. Peterson thus far has been selected to the Pro Bowl every year he has played in the NFL. During the game, Peterson contributed 80 rushing yards and a touchdown in a 55–41 NFC win. After the season, Peterson was voted the #1 running back and #3 player overall on NFL Network's list of the Top 100 Players of 2011 as selected exclusively by NFL players.

2011 season

File:Adrian Peterson.jpg

Peterson playing against the Green Bay Packers in 2011.

According to NFL.com, Peterson was ranked as the third best player in the NFL for the 2011 season, behind Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. On September 10, 2011 the Vikings signed Peterson for $96 million over the course of seven seasons, making him the highest paid running back in NFL history.[75] Peterson reached the 6,000-yard milestone on September 18, 2011 in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On October 9, Peterson scored three touchdowns in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals, setting a new franchise record. He would later earn NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for his performance during the game.[76] In a week 10 contest against the Oakland Raiders, Peterson suffered a high ankle sprain late in the first quarter, he was then later ruled out for their week 11 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

On December 24, 2011, Peterson was injured by DeJon Gomes and needed help off the field in a 33–26 victory over the Washington Redskins. He was placed onto injured reserve due to a torn ACL and MCL on December 26, 2011.

For the first time in his career, Peterson failed to record a 1,000-yard season after playing only 12 games during the year.

2012: MVP Year

Peterson started Week 1, although his status was listed as questionable. He rushed for 84 yards and two touchdowns in his first game in eight months after his ACL and MCL tear. He passed Robert Smith to become the number one Vikings rusher of all time.[77] By Week 16, Peterson was leading the NFL in rushing with 1,898 yards and averaging 6.0 yards a carry. He also had 11 touchdowns, with a further 215 yards receiving.

Entering Week 17, he needed 208 yards to break the NFL single-season record for the most rushing yards (2,105), set in 1984 by Eric Dickerson. That week, the Vikings played the Green Bay Packers needing a win to clinch a playoff berth. The game was tied at 34 in the fourth quarter when Peterson ran 26 yards, setting the Vikings up for a game-winning field goal with three seconds left. The Vikings chose the field goal, which sent them to the playoffs, but also left Peterson nine yards short of breaking the record. Peterson became the second player (Earl Campbell, 1980) to rush for 150 or more yards in seven games during an NFL season and had 1,019 yards after contact. He finished 2012 with 2,097 rushing yards, the second-most ever for a running back in a single season. The Vikings improved from 3–13 in 2011 to 10–6, qualifying as the NFC's sixth seed in the playoffs. In the Wild Card round, with Vikings' starting quarterback Christian Ponder unable to start due to injury, the Vikings fell to the Green Bay Packers by a score of 24–10. The team's record, alongside Peterson's historic season, earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the NFL Most Valuable Player awards.[78] His comeback from an ACL tear the season before also earned him second place in NFL Comeback Player of the Year award voting, coming in second to Peyton Manning. After the completion of the season, Peterson underwent surgery for a sports hernia. It became known that Peterson played through this injury starting in the last quarter of the season. Adrian credits his offensive line, and personal trainer Billy Streun for a large portion of his success.[79]

2013 season

Adrian Peterson opened his 2013 season by taking his first carry of the year 78 yards for a touchdown. Peterson struggled in the first 3 games of the season without all-pro fullback Jerome Felton, but upon his return in week 4, Peterson rushed for 140 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On October 10, 2013, Peterson missed practice for a "personal reason" and it was later revealed that his son was in critical condition. Peterson's son later passed away due to injuries suffered from an assault, apparently by the mother's live-in boyfriend. The child was 2 years old.[80] Despite the loss and time spent answering relentless media inquiries he played against Carolina Panthers. The Panthers defeated the Vikings 35–10.[81][82]

NFL awards and honors

NFL records

  • Most yards rushing in a single game (296)
  • 2nd all-time rushing yards in a single season (2,097)
  • Most rushing yards in any eight-game period (1,322)[83]
  • Most 60+ yard TD runs in a career (12)[84]
  • Most 200-yard rushing games for a rookie (2)
  • Most yards rushing in the first eight games (1,036)
  • Most 50+ yard runs in a single season (7)[85]
  • Most games, 150 or more yards rushing, season (7) (tied with Earl Campbell, 1980)
  • Most rushing yards in a calendar month (861) in December 2012

Vikings franchise records

  • Most career rushing touchdowns (86)[86]
  • Most rushing yards in a single season: 2,097 (2012)[86]
  • Most rushing touchdowns in a single season: 18 (2009)[86]
  • Most career rushing yards (10,115)[86]
  • Most career carries (2,033)[86]
  • Most 100-yard rushing games (39)
  • Most 150-yard rushing games (14)
  • Most 200-yard rushing games (4)
  • Most consecutive games with 100 or more yards rushing (8)
  • Most 1,000 yard rushing seasons (6)
  • Most 50+ yard runs in a single season (7)
  • Most yards from scrimmage in a season: 2,314 (2012)

Pro Bowl records

  • Most career rushing touchdowns (4)[87]
  • Second rookie ever to win Pro Bowl MVP (Marshall Faulk in 1994)

Career statistics

Source: NFL.com

  Rushing Receiving Fumbles
Season Team GP Att Yds Avg Yds/G Long TD Rec Yds Long TD Fum Lost
2007 MIN 14 238 1,341 5.6 95.8 73 12 19 268 60t 1 4 3
2008 MIN 16 363 1,760 4.8 110.0 67t 10 21 125 16 0 9 4
2009 MIN 16 314 1,383 4.4 86.4 64t 18 43 436 63 0 7 6
2010 MIN 15 283 1,298 4.6 86.5 80t 12 36 341 34 1 1 1
2011 MIN 12 208 970 4.7 80.8 54 12 18 139 22 1 1 0
2012 MIN 16 348 2,097 6.0 131.1 82t 12 40 217 20 1 4 2
2013 MIN 14 279 1,266 4.5 90.4 78t 10 29 171 22 1 5 3
Career total 103 2,033 10,115 5.0 98.2 82 86 206 1,697 63 5 31 19

Personal life

Peterson has a half-brother named Jaylon Brown who currently plays football at Klein Oak High School in Texas as its running back.[88] Another half-brother was murdered the night before Peterson participated in the NFL Combine. Additionally, when Peterson was a teenager, his father was sentenced to ten years in prison for laundering drug money.[89][90]

In a 2009 episode of E:60 titled "All Day", ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols stated that Peterson then had two children,[91] including a four year old daughter named Adeja.[92] He currently resides in the Grogan's Point subdivision of The Woodlands, Texas, a suburb of Houston, Texas.

Peterson's two-year-old son died on October 11, 2013 at a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hospital due to injuries sustained during an alleged assault by Joseph Robert Patterson, the boyfriend of the child's mother.[93][94]

Peterson is a Christian. Peterson has spoken about his faith in his life saying, "Jesus Christ means the world to me. I've been through so many different situations through my childhood and now my adulthood...God just helped me get through them and made me stronger at a young age. (Through) all the adversity and hard times I've been through, God has always been present. I've always prayed to Him and asked Him to give me the strength to endure and to help others and to better understand whatever situation I deal with in my personal life. And He has always showed up! It brings hope and peace of mind knowing that God gave His only begotten Son for us." Peterson also spoke of his faith in relation to his injury of a torn ACL and MCL by saying "...‘This is a blessing in disguise. I’ll come back stronger and better than I was before.’ What flashed in my mind was, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’...".[95][96]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wojciechowski, Gene (December 7, 2006). "NEXT 2005 Adrian Peterson". ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/sbnext/news/story?page=sbnext/2005. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Adrian Peterson NFL Bio". Viking Update. April 28, 2007. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071016152156/http://vikings.scout.com/2/639595.html. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  3. ↑ "Adrian Peterson". Yahoo!. http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/8261;_ylt=Av36OT1yFFsfp.un7qPT4YH.uLYF. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
  4. ↑ Edholm, Eric (January 14, 2013) Peterson wins PFW/PFWA MVP honorsp. Profootballweekly.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  5. ↑ Huff, Doug & Tennis, Mark (December 28, 2009), "Peterson carries day on All-Decade team", ESPN RISE, http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/football/news/story?id=4767488
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 "Adrian Peterson". Minnesota Vikings. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927020357/http://www.vikings.com/TeamPlayerProfile_adrian_peterson.aspx. Retrieved August 15, 2007.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Weisman, Larry (August 7, 2007). "Is Peterson a home run hitter for Vikings?". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/vikings/2007-08-07-adrian-peterson_N.htm. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Vikings' Peterson with runaway performance on field, and in voting". Associated Press. January 2, 2008. Archived from the original on 5 January 2008. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3177185. Retrieved January 2, 2008.
  9. ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg (June 24, 2013) Ranking the NFL Network's top 10 players of 2013. NFL.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 "JockBio: Adrian Peterson Biography". http://www.jockbio.com/Bios/Peterson/Peterson_bio.html. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  11. ↑ Dodd, Dennis (October 12, 2006). "Peterson family story to add emotional chapter Saturday". CBS Sports. http://www.cbssports.com/print/collegefootball/story/9723198. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Corbett, Jim (April 20, 2007). "Adrian Peterson runs through anger to the NFL". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/draft/2007-04-18-sw-adrian-peterson_N.htm. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Bensinger, Graham. "Peterson overcomes adversity, injuries to be top RB". ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2818755.
  14. ↑ Shepard, Jack (March 8, 2003) Track & Field News: Lists: 2003: Men's High School. Trackandfieldnews.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  15. ↑ Adrian Peterson and His Track Star Mom Bonita Jackson's SI Kids Photoshoot – Adrian Peterson and Bonita Jackson | Sports Illustrated Kids. Sikids.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Adrian Peterson NFL Bio". Viking Update. April 28, 2007. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071016152156/http://vikings.scout.com/2/639595.html. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  17. ↑ Tyler, Scott (June 24, 2007). "A Hero's Welcome Home". Palestine Herald-Press. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. http://www.palestineherald.com/localsports/local_story_175013230.html. Retrieved August 30, 2007.
  18. ↑ Pasquarelli, Len (April 17, 2007). "Peterson's been ready for the NFL for years". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft07/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2839618. Retrieved September 17, 2007.
  19. ↑ "Adrian Peterson – Football Recruiting". Rivals.com. Archived from the original on 16 September 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070916185116/http://rivals100.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=14848. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Ball Park National H.S. Player of the Year". Scout.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070806093213/http://usarmy.scout.com/3/BallparkPOY.html. Retrieved September 5, 2007.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Adrian Peterson - Oklahoma Sooners - College Football - Rivals.com". Rivals.com. http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/players/117290/gamelog. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  22. ↑ Latzke, Jeff (September 4, 2004). "No. 2 Oklahoma 40, Bowling Green 24". Rivals.com. http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200409040024&prov=ap. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  23. ↑ Bellamy, Clayton (October 23, 2004). "No. 2 Oklahoma 41, Kansas 10". Rivals.com. http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200410230024&prov=ap. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  24. ↑ Bellamy, Clayton (October 30, 2004). "No. 2 Oklahoma 38, No. 20 Oklahoma State 35". Rivals.com. http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200410300025&prov=ap. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  25. ↑ Russo, Ralph D (November 6, 2004). "No. 2 Oklahoma 42, No. 22 Texas A&M 35". Rivals.com. http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200411060084&prov=ap. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  26. ↑ Latzke, Jeff (November 13, 2004). "No. 2 Oklahoma 30, Nebraska 3". Rivals.com. http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recap?gid=200411130024&prov=ap. Retrieved September 6, 2011.
  27. ↑ "Peterson runs for 240 yards, three TDs". ESPN. November 20, 2004. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=243250239. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  28. ↑ "White, Peterson power OU". ESPN. December 4, 2004. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=243390038. Retrieved September 3, 2011.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "All-American: ozzy". University of Oklahoma and CSTV. Archived from the original on 18 July 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070718201831/http://www.soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/aa-adrian-peterson-2004.html. Retrieved August 30, 2007.
  30. ↑ "Heisman Voting". The San Diego Union-Tribune. December 12, 2004. http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20041212/news_1s12heisvote.html. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  31. ↑ "Peterson injured in Oklahoma’s win". Associated Press. October 1, 2005. Archived from the original on 26 October 2007. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9558197/. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
  32. ↑ "Sooners pick off Leaf with 33 seconds left to secure win". ESPN. December 29, 2005. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=253630201. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  33. ↑ "NCAA: Oklahoma must vacate eight victories in 2005". USA Today. July 12, 2007. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/big12/2007-07-11-ncaa-oklahoma_N.htm. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  34. ↑ "NCAA committee partially overturns ruling, reinstates 8 Sooners wins". ESPN.com. Associated Press (ESPN Internet Ventures). February 22, 2008. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3258745. Retrieved December 11, 2013.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 "Oklahoma's Peterson returns to practice". Associated Press. December 8, 2006. Archived from the original on 10 December 2006. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2691671. Retrieved December 9, 2006.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Wright, Scott (October 18, 2006). "Peterson discusses injury". The Oklahoman. Archived from the original on 29 October 2006. http://www.newsok.com/article/2957901. Retrieved October 19, 2006.
  37. ↑ "Stoops: Peterson Broke Collarbone". SoonerSports.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071016155644/http://soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101406aaa.html. Retrieved September 23, 2007.
  38. ↑ "Oklahoma BCS-bound after beating Huskers for Big 12 title". ESPN. December 2, 2006. http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=263360201. Retrieved September 4, 2011.
  39. ↑ "Adrian Peterson – Oklahoma Sooners". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 17 October 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071017041059/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/profile?playerId=161717. Retrieved September 27, 2007.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Career Rushing Records". SoonerStats.com. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927193012/http://www.soonerstats.com/football/recordbook/player/rush_career.cfm. Retrieved September 23, 2007.
  41. ↑ "Peterson to Enter 2007 NFL Draft". University of Oklahoma and CSTV. January 15, 2007. http://www.soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011507aaa.html. Retrieved August 21, 2007.
  42. ↑ Visser, Leslie (November 7, 2007). "Peterson rewriting the rookie record book 'All Day' long". CBS Sportsline.com. http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10458554.
  43. ↑ Corbett, Jim (April 18, 2007). "Adrian Peterson runs through anger to the NFL". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/draft/2007-04-18-sw-adrian-peterson_N.htm. Retrieved August 24, 2007.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Banks, Don (May 21, 2007). "Teams wary of Peterson's health". CNN Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on 26 August 2007. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/don_banks/04/25/peterson/index.html. Retrieved August 25, 2007.
  45. ↑ Max, Mike (May 21, 2007). "Adrian Peterson Credits Family For Success". WCCO-TV. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004604/http://wcco.com/sports/local_story_141101828.html. Retrieved August 25, 2007.
  46. ↑ Walker, James (February 23, 2007). "Browns to learn today if they'll draft third or fourth". The Columbus Dispatch. http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/contentbe/dispatch/2007/02/23/20070223-F4-02.html. Retrieved September 26, 2007.[dead link]
  47. ↑ Adrian Peterson NFL Combine Results. nflcombineresults.com
  48. ↑ "Adrian Peterson-Oklahoma RB-2007 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile". Nfldraftscout.com. http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=58020&draftyear=2007&genpos=RB. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
  49. ↑ Pedulla, Tom (April 29, 2007). "Vikings' Peterson confident he can contribute". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/vikings/2007-04-29-adrian-peterson_N.htm. Retrieved August 25, 2007.
  50. ↑ Robinson, Jon (May 4, 2007). "Adrian Peterson Interview". IGN. Archived from the original on 20 August 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070820180622/http://sports.ign.com/articles/785/785800p1.html. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
  51. ↑ Seifert, Kevin (November 4, 2007). "At home, Vikings star can put his fire on ice". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 November 2007. http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1526216.html. Retrieved November 4, 2007.
  52. ↑ Pasquarelli, Len (July 29, 2007). "Vikings agree to six-year deal with top pick Peterson". ESPN.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2953541. Retrieved July 29, 2007.
  53. ↑ Campbell, Dave (October 20, 2007). "Rookie Adrian Peterson off to a sensational start for Vikings". Associated Press. http://news.yahoo.com/s/cpress/20071020/ca_pr_on_fo/nfl_vikings_peterson_1. Retrieved November 6, 2007.[dead link]
  54. ↑ Salisbury, Sean (November 7, 2007). "Is Adrian Peterson the best back in football?". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 10 November 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3095687. Retrieved November 8, 2007.
  55. ↑ Souhan, Jim (August 11, 2007). "Only one game, but offense already has apparently hit the wall". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. http://www.startribune.com/150/story/1356841.html. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  56. ↑ "National Football League Game Summary: St. Louis Rams At Minnesota Vikings" (PDF). National Football League. August 10, 2007. http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/29457/MIN_Gamebook.pdf. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 "National Football League Game Summary: Atlanta Falcons At Minnesota Vikings" (PDF). National Football League. September 9, 2007. http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/29201/MIN_Gamebook.pdf. Retrieved September 23, 2007.
  58. ↑ Zulgad, Judd (September 25, 2007). "Teammates want to keep 'All Day' fresh for all season". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1443725.html. Retrieved September 26, 2007.
  59. ↑ "Peterson named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September". Associated Press. October 3, 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=3048261. Retrieved October 6, 2007.
  60. ↑ "Peterson named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for October". MSNBC.com. November 1, 2007. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21588439/. Retrieved November 4, 2007.[dead link]
  61. ↑ Seifert, Kevin (October 15, 2007). "Image of Vikings' bumbling offense fades on this day". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 15 October 2007. http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1483851.html. Retrieved October 15, 2007.
  62. ↑ Zulgad, Judd (October 14, 2007). "Peterson show dazzles Bears ... and Vikings". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 15 October 2007. http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1484412.html. Retrieved October 15, 2007.
  63. ↑ Chadiha, Jeffri (October 18, 2007). "Quick impression: Vikes' Peterson eyes record season". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 20 October 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3068586. Retrieved October 21, 2007.
  64. ↑ Campbell, Dave (October 18, 2007). "PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Rookie Peterson off to a sensational start for Vikings". Associated Press. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-10-18-1869254474_x.htm. Retrieved October 21, 2007.
  65. ↑ Souhan, Jim (October 20, 2007). "Peterson is one of a kind". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 22 October 2007. http://www.startribune.com/souhan/story/1496087.html. Retrieved October 25, 2007.
  66. ↑ Campbell, Dave (November 4, 2007). "Peterson breaks single-game rushing record". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 5 November 2007. http://www.startribune.com/1557/story/1527895.html. Retrieved November 4, 2007.
  67. ↑ "Top rushing performances in NFL history". Associated Press. November 4, 2007. Archived from the original on November 6, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071106074538/http://www.startribune.com/510/story/1528040.html. Retrieved November 4, 2007.
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 Campbell, Dave (November 4, 2007). "Peterson Leads Vikes Past Chargers 35–17". Associated Press. Archived from the original on November 14, 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20071114164936/http://www.startribune.com/136/story/1528027.html. Retrieved November 4, 2007.
  69. ↑ Seifert, Kevin (November 4, 2007). "Vikings winning formula: Give the ball to Peterson". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 5 November 2007. http://www.startribune.com/1557/story/1527895.html. Retrieved November 5, 2007.
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 Seifert, Kevin (November 12, 2007). "Vikings: Good news out of a bad collision". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 16 December 2007. http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/11826756.html. Retrieved December 8, 2007.
  71. ↑ Krawczynski, Jon (December 2, 2007). "Adrian's back as Vikings surge to big victory". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on 4 December 2007. http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1586645.html. Retrieved December 2, 2007.
  72. ↑ "Owens, Peterson Lead NFC Comeback". Associated Press. February 10, 2008. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iDqgIo3wpmfFDhOeR4yzD49Ia_gwD8UNPPG02. Retrieved February 11, 2008.[dead link]
  73. ↑ "2007 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/leaders.htm. Retrieved October 17, 2008.
  74. ↑ "2,000 yards? MVP award? Peterson sets sights on the highest levels". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20080517194450/http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/18994284.html?location_refer=Vikings. Retrieved September 1, 2008.
  75. ↑ Gates, Christopher (September 10, 2011) Schefter: Peterson Contract Extension Worth $96 Million, $32 Million Guaranteed. Minnesota.sbnation.com.
  76. ↑ Wiederer, Dan (October 11, 2011). "Adrian Peterson named NFC Offensive Player of the Week". Star Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/131555078.html.
  77. ↑ Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Minnesota Vikings – Recap – September 09, 2012 – ESPN. Scores.espn.go.com (September 9, 2012). Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  78. ↑ Crabtree, Curtis (February 2, 2013) Adrian Peterson takes home league MVP award | ProFootballTalk. Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  79. ↑ Garafolo, Mike (February 7, 2013) Adrian Peterson has surgery to repair sports hernia. Usatoday.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  80. ↑ Hudson, Bill (October 11, 2013) Adrian Peterson's Son Dies After Alleged Beating By Mother's Boyfriend. Minnesota.cbslocal.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  81. ↑ Firzgerald, Matt (October 13, 2013) Adrian Peterson Will Play vs. Panthers After Death of Son. Bleacherreport.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  82. ↑ FOX Sports – Adrian Peterson explains why he is playing after his son's death. Youtube.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  83. ↑ Smith, Michael David (December 17, 2012) NFL morning after: Statement Sunday — or was it?. Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  84. ↑ Elias Sports Bureau (December 17, 2012) Elias Says: Sports Statistics – Stats from the Elias Sports Bureau. Sports.espn.go.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  85. ↑ Twitter / VikingsFootball: Peterson’s 7 runs of 50. Twitter.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  86. ↑ 86.0 86.1 86.2 86.3 86.4 "Minnesota Vikings Team Encyclopedia". Pro-Football-Reference.com. http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/.
  87. ↑ "Pro Bowl Records". espn.go.com. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=7499116.
  88. ↑ Jaylon Brown's (Spring, TX) High School Football Stats. MaxPreps.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  89. ↑ "Peterson's son dies in Sioux Falls after assault", Minneapolis Star Tribune, October 11, 2012, http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/227383981.html
  90. ↑ Interview with Adrian Peterson. Youtube.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  91. ↑ "E:60 All Day". ESPN. Oct 19, 2009. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4577473&categoryid=3060647. Retrieved Oct 13, 2013.
  92. ↑ Newman, Elizabeth (February 20, 2007), First Person: Adrian Peterson, Ex-Oklahoma Running Back, CNN Sports Illustrated, http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/players/02/20/first.person0226/, retrieved Oct 13, 2013
  93. ↑ Botelho, Greg and Hanna, Jason (October 12, 2013) Report: Adrian Peterson's young son dies after assault. CNN.com. Retrieved on November 4, 2013.
  94. ↑ Schrotenboer, Brent (October 11, 2013). "Adrian Peterson's son, 2, dies; man charged with abuse". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/vikings/2013/10/11/adrian-peterson-son-critical-condition/2966015/. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  95. ↑ "The Faith of NFL Star Adrian Peterson". http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/TOM14_Adrian_Peterson.aspx.
  96. ↑ "Adrian Peterson says he Finds Peace in his Relationship with Jesus Christ". http://www.blackchristiannews.com/news/2012/12/adrian-peterson-says-he-finds-peace-in-his-relationship-with-jesus-christ.html.

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