Adrian Peterson Reflects on Two Defining Moments Before Vikings Ring of Honor Induction
The former Minnesota star will enter the Ring of Honor on Monday after discussing a 2009 loss and his rookie record-breaking game.
By Aiko Soto ·
Adrian Peterson will be inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium. The ceremony marks the formal recognition of a career in which Peterson rushed for 11,747 yards and 97 touchdowns in 123 games for the Minnesota team. He is widely regarded as the franchise's best running back.
Peterson spoke to reporters on Wednesday to discuss two specific games from his tenure in Minnesota that remain central to his memory. These moments frame his experience with the team, ranging from a historic rookie performance to a painful playoff defeat.
The first game he identified was the 2009 NFC Championship Game played on Jan. 24, 2010. The Vikings lost 31-28 in overtime to the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome. Peterson rushed 25 times for 122 yards and three touchdowns in that contest. The loss is defined for Peterson by a fumbled exchange with quarterback Brett Favre near the goal line shortly before halftime.
Peterson noted that the Vikings committed five turnovers in that game, a factor that contributed to their defeat. He recalled the feeling in the visitors' locker room after the final whistle. "We had just missed a chance to go to the Super Bowl," Peterson said. "I never thought we wouldn't have a chance to make it back."
The second game Peterson highlighted was his rookie season performance against the San Diego Chargers. The Vikings won that matchup 35-17 at the Metrodome. Peterson finished with 30 carries for 296 yards and three touchdowns. That total remains the most rushing yards in a single NFL game.
Peterson explained that the offensive rhythm did not establish itself until the second half. He had only 13 carries for 43 yards at the halftime break. "It wasn't clicking," he said. The team decided to continue running the ball and correct minor issues. In the second half, Peterson recorded touchdown runs of 64 and 46 yards.
After his time with the Vikings, Peterson played for the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks. He concluded his 184-game career with 14,918 yards and 120 touchdowns. He is expected to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot.
Peterson selected the No. 7 pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. His induction into the Ring of Honor serves as the final step in recognizing his contributions to the Vikings organization. The event takes place on Monday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
