Adrian Peterson Highlights
As a true freshman, Adrian Peterson began putting his name in the record books by setting the NCAA freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards in his ‘04 performance that included three +200 yard games and 15 Touchdowns. His 1,925 yards broke the Oklahoma Sooners single season rushing record held by Billy Sims (1978 - 1,886 yards) as well as the NCAA freshman record held by Wisconsin’s Ron Dayne (1996 – 1,863 yards). He also set NCAA freshman rushing records for rushing attempts (339), consecutive 100-yard rushing games (9), and total 100-yard rushing games (11). All Day Adrian was a first team All-American and runner-up for the 2004 Heisman Trophy award behind USC quarterback Matt Leinart in his rookie collegiate bid.
As an NFL rookie in ’07, A.D. continued his prowess on the football field rushing for 1,341 yards and 12 TDs with a 13th Touchdown coming on a 60 yard reception. Peterson shredded a stout Chicago Bears defense led by LB Brian Urlacher in Week 6 (Oct. 14th) with 224 yards and 3 Touchdowns on 20 carries, a whopping 11.4 yards per carry. His best performance had yet to come. On November 4th, 2007, Adrian Peterson set the NFL single game rushing record VS the San Diego Chargers in Week 9 with 296 yards on 30 carries, nearly 10 yards per carry. After being selected to the Pro Bowl in his first pro season, Peterson won Pro Bowl MVP honors with his 129-yard, 2 TD performance. The 2007 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award voting was almost unanimous and perhaps the most deserved ROY selection in the history of the National Football League.
In his sophomore season, Peterson led all NFL running backs with 1,760 rushing yards and 10 Touchdowns, earning All Day his first rushing champion honors.The Vikings made the playoffs behind Adrian for the first time since 2004. His 83 rushing yards and 2 TDs included a 40-yard run in their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles 26-14.
In 2009, Peterson continued to dazzle with his feet, rushing for 1,383 yards and 18 Touchdowns. Along with newly acquired Brett Favre, Percy Harvin, and a stout defense, the Vikings lost to the Saints in the NFC championship despite a magnificent performance from AP. Peterson totalled 3 rushing TDs in this big game for a total of 122 rushing yards and 14 reception yards. With the defense aggresively punching and hacking at the ball, Peterson miraculously recovered a fumble 10 yards ahead of him from his knees despite a sea of defenders. All Day had two long runs including a 19-yard Touchdown in the first quarter and a 27-yard run later in the game.