Adrian Peterson was asked how many yards he expects to rush for in 2008 "I don't know. Whatever it takes to help my team win the division title and get to that Super Bowl. Any way I can achieve it. It doesn't matter if I have 200 yards for the whole season. If we reach that Promised Land, I'll be satisfied."
Frion July 25 practice: "Adrian Peterson certainly didn't show any rust on the first day of camp. Peterson had a handful of explosive runs, including a long one through the gut of the second-team defense."
Adrian Peterson is happy to be rid of the brace he wore on his right knee after spraining it last November. He said he might even put it in his trophy case.
Peterson also proudly pointed out Friday the first time he went without the device was during the Pro Bowl in February - when he rushed for two touchdowns and was honored as the game's most valuable player
Rick Alonzo writes on PioneerPress.com "Adrian Peterson's remarkable talent gives him the ability to break off long runs at any time. But it appeared he looked for the big play too often late last season, instead of taking small, safe gains. Peterson can use training camp to work on being more patient and letting plays develop in front of him. Teams loaded up to stop the Vikings' run last season, and now Peterson must make adjustments of his own." Seems like deja vu, we heard this about AD when he was at OU. He'll be fine, how about the Vikings get a QB? So Adrian doesn't face 9 in the box.
The most indispensable players in the NFL (espn.com) AD is number 4 (Brady is number 1) It's been a long time since a rookie running back raced through the NFL like this guy. Along with setting a league record for most yards in a single game (296 against San Diego), Peterson energized a Vikings offense that wasn't offering much in the way of sizzle. Now the people around Minnesota are harboring Super Bowl hopes and they're probably thinking Peterson could gain 2,000 yards if he avoids the injuries that slowed him as a rookie. But you have to remember something else about this guy -- he's a star back without a strong passing game to ease the pressure on him. That alone makes him a member of this list. click here for the article
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Adrian Peterson received the Breakthrough Athlete award Wednesday during the 16th annual ESPY Awards.
Peterson attended Palestine High School and the University of Oklahoma before being drafted by the NFL's Minnesota Vikings in 2007. In his rookie year, Peterson rushed for 1,341 yards, including an NFL-one-game-record total of 296 against the San Diego Chargers. He was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Sean Salisbury when asked why Adrian Peterson blew up in his first year and Reggie Bush hasn't in his first 2.
"“Peterson is a running back that doesn’t come around often,” Salisbury said. “He is a special runner with his size and speed, but will Peterson have the same year? We don’t know. Can Reggie Bush have a 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving? He has that potential.”"
It sounds like Childress expects running back Adrian Peterson to be much improved in his pass blocking, thus making him a candidate to play in third-down situations. “I think he’ll be a better pass protector this year, just within our scheme, because to be a third-down back you’re not always going out,” Childress said, “at times you’re protecting with that running back and you have to be able to take on a linebacker.”
There will be a new Adrian Peterson advertisement for Vitamin Water. It will be him, 50 Cent, Brian Urlacher, David Ortiz, and Dwight Howard. They are dressed up as astronauts and will head off to space. Be on the look out.
Adrian Peterson "God kept me focused" A report on Adrian Peterson Day “Sometimes I ask myself, ‘Why me?’” Peterson said. “God kept me focused through my journey, and though it had its bumps, God was able to help me accomplish my dream.
June 21 was The Second Annual Adrian Peterson Day in Palestine, Texas
"I'm proud of Palestine," he said. "I come back, and they support me like this. I wear it on my sleeve, I never forget where I come from. I know I'm keeping it close. I get reminded almost every day in the locker room. With my accent, they know I come from the country." VIDEO
The Old Spice Adrian Peterson Football Camp will be held at the OU Intramural Fields from June 26-28, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Camp is open to youth football players ages 7-14. Cost is $199. For more information and to register, visit www.AdrianPetersonCamp.com or call (513) 793-2267 for more information.
Wes Welker to spend Friday with "All Day”: NFL wide receiver and Oklahoma City native Wes Welker will assist fellow All-Pro Adrian Peterson at his football camp next Friday at OU. Welker, a Heritage Hall graduate, will join Peterson, a former OU All-American running back, at the camp to share tips, drills and insight on what it takes to make it in sports, the NFL and life.
Adrian Peterson on staying Focused
Look for AD to catch more balls this season: Peterson said he is in optimal shape and plans to continue to work out over the next month and a half. He said one thing he has focused on is catching the ball, something he wasn't called upon to do much at Oklahoma or in high school.
Adrian Peterson launches foundation for children "I remember when I was these kids' age, and I wish I had the opportunity to be able to go to different camps and see the players that I admired and looked up to," Peterson said of one of his primary motivations. "I want to be able to inspire those kids to live out their dreams, no matter what," he said. "Focus on a dream and do whatever it takes to accomplish that, especially how the world is today. It's changed in a lot of different ways, and I want to get kids on a different path. "I want to let them know that, 'Hey, I came from a small town, so it's possible for you to do it too.' "
ADRIAN PETERSON FANTASY COVER SHOOT
No two ways about it: Adrian Peterson is a beast. (His nickname is "All Day," which seems fairly appropriate) As such, he's on the cover of ESPN's special Fantasy Football 2008 magazine (it's available all summer!) Running behind arguably the best O-Line in football, Peterson should post some monster numbers this year. We were lucky enough to catch up with him at the photo shoot for this cover. Check out the video here!
Adrian Peterson McFarland Sportspicks, in stores October
Chatting with Peterson (video)
Darren Sharper chats with Pro Bowl RB Adrian Peterson about his goals for the season.
Pic on the right from OTAs
New Adrian Peterson video added May 23rd 2008
Don Seeholzer, of the Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said he expects to catch more passes this season than last season's total of 19 and for his overall game to be better. Peterson added he believes the addition of WR Bernard Berrian will limit the number of of eight- and nine-man fronts the team faced in 2007. "When they had nine, 10 guys in the box last year, we were still kind of able to get the work done," Peterson said. "It's kind of scary to see what we're capable of doing this year."
Adrian Peterson visits a school: Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson and team owner Zygi Wilf traveled to Brainerd Thursday morning.
The visit was part of the "What Moves U" program to encourage kids to be more physically active. The 2008 Pro Bowl MVP and the team's owner were greeted by excited students at Forestview Middle School on Thursday.
Peterson, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, said he's ready to have a big 2008. Video Of the School Visit
Peterson said Thursday the knee feels "perfectly fine."
Can Adrian Peterson rush for 2,000 yards?
Peterson's goals for 2008 include a 2,000-yard campaign, an improvement on the 19 catches he had last season and, perhaps, an MVP trophy. "I definitely feel like I can do it," Peterson said Thursday when asked about being voted the league's top player. "Anything is possible. Especially with how my mindset is. I set my bar high. I expect a lot from myself. I'm surrounded by a great group of guys offensively and defensively on both sides, special teams, so it's possible for anything to happen." More
SignonSandiego.com have their first power rankings and Minnesota is rankted 5th.
5. Minnesota. Any time, give me a team that has the league's most electric running back, Adrian Peterson, and its leading sacker, Jared Allen.
Granted, Tarvaris Jackson is still the quarterback, but with Peterson doing his magic, this team doesn't have to depend on the pass. Its defense was just fine a year ago – No. 1 against the rush – before Allen was added.
With Allen mounting his rushes, no one is going to score much against the Vikings.
Looking for new Adrian, an article comparing McFadden to Adrian Peterson, as if McFadden will break the single game rushing record by week 8. AD is one of kind.
Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden thinks Adrian Peterson may be the best running back he's ever seen.
"I've never seen a guy play like Adrian Peterson as long as I've been studying film," Gruden says. "Adrian Peterson is a superstar." In case you find yourself doubting whether Peterson really is the most talented player on the field each week, this should help.
Childress said he has talked to running back Adrian Peterson about a "sophomore jinx," as well as the interest in his time. "The big thing is, he manages all the restrictions and demands of his time, because he really could go 365 days a year," Childress said. On a related note, Peterson is planning on doing an ESPN commercial.
Berrian talks about Adrian Peterson; Money aside, Berrian said he chose the Vikings because he likes the upside of the offense. Especially Adrian Peterson. The Vikings Pro Bowl running back was a major selling point for Berrian. "Oh definitely," Berrian chuckles
He remembers the day when 'All-Day' (Peterson) ran all day for 224 yards on the Bears defense, setting a Vikings rushing record at the time. And he also knows Peterson later set the NFL rushing record with 296 yards against the Chargers.
Selling point? You bet. "Then when I saw it live, I was shocked, and I don't get shocked by too many players, but he shocked me a lot, so yeah it was definitely a selling point.""
You can buy the Palestine HS Football 2003 DVD, its rare, for $29.99 plus $5 shipping
NFL Total Access showed the top 10 runs of the year, guess how many were Adrian Peterson runs? 1? 2? 3? how about 4. Thats DOMINATION, oh gee, no runs from LT Check out the video
Childress: There's room for Peterson to improv
The Vikings coach said his Pro Bowl back can improve his blocking and reads when searching for a hole and that he'd better get used to stacked defenses. (Hey Coach about getting a REAL QB and some WRs???? so AD doesn't face 8 and 9 in the box)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is the 2007 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year, Diet Pepsi and the National Football League announced today.
During the 2007 season, Peterson shattered all Vikings rookie rushing records and set an NFL record for rushing yards in a game with 296 against San Diego on Nov. 4. Peterson led the NFC and was second in the NFL in rushing with 1,341 yards, a total that ranks as the second-most yards in a season in Vikings history. Peterson helped the Vikings set a new team record for rushing yards in a season with 2,634, and, along with RB Chester Taylor (844 yards), set a new team record for rushing yards by a tandem with 2,185. A threat as a receiver and a kick returner, Peterson amassed 2,021 combined net yards to rank second in Vikings history behind Herschel Walker's 2,051 in 1990. In Week 9 at San Diego, Peterson set the single game rushing record (296 yards) and scored three touchdowns, repeating his three touchdown effort at Chicago during Week 6 when he ran for 224 yards. Peterson, who attended University of Oklahoma, was nominated for seven Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards, winning three times.
Nearly 440,000 fan votes were submitted for the 2007 Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year on NFL.com and via Sprint wireless service from January 3 through January 28, shattering last year's total of 363,500.
Access Vikings blog: "Earlier today, Peterson said the knee that slowed him toward the end of the season is “fine.” He has rehabbing it in his native Texas since the end of the season. He also said the 8- and 9-man fronts that stuffed him toward the end of the season wouldn’t have been as effective if “I was just a little more patient on certain plays … so those are things I’ll definitely have to work on.”
Peterson also said he will wear his knee brace when he plays in the Pro Bowl a week from Sunday. “Better safe than sorry,” he said.
Speaking of the Pro Bowl, Peterson said the final tally of teammates he’s taking with him to Hawaii is 10. He also will be taking 25 family members with him, said his father, Nelson, who is making the rounds with Adrian this week.
Peterson will be here all week for promotional events. He’ll leave for the Pro Bowl on Monday.
Asked if he envisions himself making it to a Super Bowl as a player, Peterson smiled and said, “Definitely. Yeah. Definitely, definitely, definitely.”
Adrian Peterson's Super Bowl Pick? Patriots 24-17. Adrian was on Sirius NFL Radio with Adam Schein & Jim Miller on Monday, the 28th. He said as long as Eli doesn't turn the ball over, Pats win 24-17. So it sounds like AD is forecasting a blow out.
Adrian Peterson was at the East-West Shrine Game cheering on his former teammates
Adrian Peterson stood on the West team sideline for most of the first half, cheering on his former Oklahoma teammates. The four Sooners in the game were running back Allen Patrick, defensive back Marcus Walker, tight end Joe Jon Finley and kicker Garrett Hartley.
Patrick was injured in the first quarter and had just one carry for 3 yards. Hartley missed a 29-yard field goal in the second quarter, but gave the West a 10-3 lead with one from 23-yard just before halftime.
Peterson, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, said he shared some advice with his friends on the team.
"I told them: 'This is your last opportunity in pads to show the scouts what you have, so you've just got to go out there and lay it all on the line,' " he said.
Walker intercepted a pass by Penn State's Anthony Morelli and returned it 22 yards in the second quarter."
Vikings' Peterson voted AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Adrian Peterson ran away with The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year voting the same way he surged past opposing tacklers this season.
The Minnesota Vikings running back, who set the league mark for rushing in a game with 296 yards in a 35-17 victory over San Diego, also had a 224-yarder in a win against Chicago. The key to Minnesota's improvement to an 8-8 record this season, he led the NFC with 1,341 yards rushing, second only to San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson in the league. His 78 points on 13 touchdowns were second in the conference.
Those numbers, compiled in 14 games, and his overall impact -- the Vikings struggled to pass the ball, yet were in the wild-card race until the final game -- earned Peterson 46½ votes Wednesday from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Cleveland tackle Joe Thomas was the only other player receiving votes, 3½.
"I added to things they already had," Peterson said. "I am a playmaker. That's why I say if there is anything I could do to put me out there, just put me out there.
"I wanted to come in and be a difference and help the team turn around. I came with the attitude to do whatever I had to do to get on the field."
Peterson was not a starter until the sixth game, a week after his big performance against the Bears. While veteran Chester Taylor opened the first five games and was coming off a strong year, it was clear that Peterson could be a difference-maker.
So coach Brad Childress had to turn him loose.
"From an early time, a week after the draft when we had about 50 free agents in here, you knew he was going to be a special guy," Childress said.
The seventh selection in the draft, Peterson brought some durability issues with him after suffering several injuries at Oklahoma. He did miss two games with a knee problem and wasn't particularly effective for much of December when he returned to the lineup.
But at his best, Peterson was as good as any rookie runner the league has seen; halfway through the schedule, he was on pace to break Eric Dickerson's rookie rushing record of 1,808 yards.
And even though he slowed because of the injury, Peterson had little competition for the award.
"I knew what I was bringing to the table. I'm pretty sure those guys knew by drafting me," Peterson said. "I came in with the attitude to just contribute any way I could. Get in game shape and be valuable to play."
Vikings cornerback Cedric Griffin played at Texas and faced Peterson each season. That Peterson was the NFL's top offensive rookie was no surprise to Griffin.
"I knew what he possessed. He's just a great back, and I respect that of him," Griffin said. "I don't think he needs any praises, because he knows that he has that capability of carrying this team. He's been doing a great job, and everyone knows that."
Peterson is the fifth Viking to win the award, joining Paul Flatley in 1967, Chuck Foreman in 1973, Sammy White in '76 and Randy Moss in 1998. Only Foreman was a running back; the other three were wide receivers.
Adrian Peterson finished his rookie year with 1,341 yards rushing, second only to LT who had 1,474 yards. Adrian did lead the NFL in yards per carry (5.6 ypc), and yards per game,
95.8
Adrian Peterson has NFC rushing title, playoffs in his grasp
"Is it frustrating? A little bit at times," Peterson allowed. "You know what it's going to be. I can't remember the last time I saw a seven-man front. Emmitt Smith told me to learn how to run against eight- and nine-man fronts. That's something that I'm really going to focus on.
JAN. 1 In one of the zaniest bowl games ever, Peterson's Oklahoma team loses to Boise State 43-42 in double overtime at the Fiesta Bowl. The teams combine for 22 points in the final 86 seconds of regulation, and Boise State wins on a trick-play two-point conversion. Peterson has 77 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, including a 25-yard TD run on the Sooners' only offensive play of OT.
JAN. 15 Peterson, a junior, declares himself eligible for the NFL draft.
FEB. 25 Peterson works out at the NFL combine in Indianapolis despite learning that his stepbrother had been shot and killed the night before in Houston. Despite his excellent workout, NFL teams are wary of the lingering effects of a broken right collarbone that sidelined him for much of the college season.
APRIL 28 The Vikings, with the seventh overall pick in the draft, choose Peterson, despite having Chester Taylor, a 1,200-yard rusher, as their starting tailback.
APRIL 29 Peterson and his parents meet with the media in Minnesota and he is cleared physically to play in the team's minicamps. "By the time the season starts, everything will be perfectly fine," Peterson says.
MAY 4 Peterson makes it through his first minicamp practice unscathed. Physical exams show that he will not need surgery -- which would have sidelined him for six months -- on the collarbone.
JULY 29 With training camp open, Peterson signs a six-year contract with $17 million in guaranteed money. He missed five practices.
AUG. 11 Peterson carries 11 times for 33 yards in the Vikings' preseason opener. "I definitely have got to adjust to the speed and those gaps," he says.
AUG. 17 Peterson breaks loose for a 42-yard run against the Jets, showing the first flash of what will come to be fairly common during the regular season.
SEPT. 9 Peterson scores on a 60-yard swing pass and rushes for 103 yards as the Vikings open the season by beating Atlanta. Taylor is injured, moving Peterson into a starting role.
SEPT. 23 The Vikings lose at Kansas City 13-10 and Peterson is not on the field for the final drive, causing a controversy about his underuse. Peterson, however, is publicly supportive of the way the Vikings use him.
OCT. 14 Peterson sets a Vikings record by rushing for 224 yards in a victory over the Bears.
NOV. 4 Peterson sets an NFL record by rushing for 296 yards in a victory over the Chargers.
NOV. 11 Peterson tears a ligament in his right knee as the Vikings lose to Green Bay. He is sidelined for two weeks.
DEC. 2 Peterson returns to play against the Lions, rushing for 116 yards.
DEC. 25 With one game remaining in the regular season, Peterson is third in the NFL in rushing yards (1,305), first in rushing yards per game (100.4) and sixth in touchdowns (13).
Adrian Peterson had just nine carries for 27 yards in Sunday's loss to Washington. He also added two receptions for 21 yards. Rotoworld writes, "Washington brought eight and nine men into the box
and dared Minnesota to throw and Tarvaris Jackson and the offense could
not respond. Peterson was bottled up early as a result and then the
Vikings had to pass when behind later on. It's worrisome that Peterson
has been shut down two of the last three weeks with opposing defenses
going all out to stop the run."
Peterson Says He Hasn't Hit The Wall MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ― Vikings defensive end Brian Robison talked recently about hitting the "rookie wall." That's a physical and psychological barrier that first-year players often face.
Adrian Peterson's statistics might suggest he's under the same pressure, but the Pro Bowl running back insists he's feeling no such thing.
With Minnesota's passing attack lagging again, largely because of mistakes by quarterback Tarvaris Jackson, defenses have been stacking up to stop the Minnesota run.
Peterson broke out with a strong fourth quarter in last Monday's comeback win over the Bears, but he gained only three yards on 14 carries the week before that against the 49ers.
Then came last night's game against the Redskins. Peterson is still the NFC's leading rusher by a slim margin, after managing just 27 yards on nine attempts
NFL teams sponsor Adrian Peterson cloning experiment
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — SSNN has received word that at least four NFL teams have reached an agreement with the Minnesota Vikings to attempt to clone Adrian Peterson. NFL organizations in Houston, Green Bay, Atlanta and Miami have confirmed their involvement. Read more...
Adrian Peterson is named starting running back for the NFC for the Pro Bowl!
Complex.com: What do you think of the Purple Jesus nickname? Adrian Peterson: It’s crazy and kind of scary for people to compare me to Jesus. Nobody will ever compare to Jesus and it makes me feel good that people are recognizing talent.
C: You’ve been compared to Eric Dickerson, who did you idolize coming up?
Adrian Peterson: Being from Texas, I liked Emmitt Smith, Eddie George, Terrell Davis, those are the guys I really watched growing up.
C: How does it feel to be the fantasy football sleeper of the year?
Adrian Peterson: It feels good. I came in knowing what I can bring to the game, and I’ve stayed on track. I’ve been able to do some amazing things this year. I knew that believing in myself, making the transition and doing what I thought I could do, would sooner or later show people that I’m a ballplayer.
C: Do you think you deserve a cut of all those self-made fantasy GM’s winnings?
Adrian Peterson: (laughs) You know what? That’d be nice.
C: Going into the season you had high expectations for yourself, did you ever think you would perform this well?
Adrian Peterson: Yeah, you know being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, I came in with a great offensive line, with Bryant McKinnie, and Matt Birk. Without the guys I had in front of me, it wouldn’t have been possible to break any type of record.
C: Was it ironic to break the record running against a team with one of the games best RB’s ever?
Adrian Peterson: It was. Not only that, it was one of the best defenses I’ve seen in a long time. Shawne Merriman and the Chargers defense have some real ball players on it, so it felt good. I have to give credit to my offense line; those are the guys that really made it happen for me.
C: What’s in your pre-game music rotation?
Adrian Peterson: I got Lil Wayne, some Jeezy, and I play some Kanye West songs from time to time. Maybe some Cassidy, I tend to mix it up.
C: You’ve been through more than most people growing up, how does that transform into motivation for you?
Adrian Peterson: I never stop encouraging myself. Realizing that I didn’t come from a lot, and growing up I had some trouble and really got into different situations that, I recognized God is really the only one who could get me through them. Once I recognized that it really helped me stay focused and keep my eye on my dream.
C: How was it when your dad got to watch you play after he was released from prison?
Adrian Peterson: It was amazing. It felt good. He was out of my life for nine years, he didn’t get to see me play since I was in little league, and then when he got out I was playing in college. It was definitely an experience that I had been waiting for.
C: Does he go to your games now?
Adrian Peterson: Yeah, it’s a lot different. These days I’m traveling and he’s meeting up with me after the game, and he talks to me before games too. He’s there physically now, so it’s a lot different.
C: Do you see yourself as the Vikings’ messiah?
Adrian Peterson: I wouldn’t say that, it’s bigger than me. I wouldn’t say that at all. It takes more than one player to win the game.
C: What year-end accolades are you looking forward to, maybe rookie of the year?
Adrian Peterson: Rookie of the year would be great, going up there for myself, but definitely making it to the playoffs as a team is something that would mean a lot to me as well.
C: So what nickname does better with the ladies Purple Jesus, or your old alias “All Day?”
Adrian Peterson: All Day… and All Night! Make sure you add that last part on
Don Seeholzer, of the Pioneer Press, reports Minnesota Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said he expects to catch more passes this season than last season's total of 19 and for his overall game to be better. Peterson added he believes the addition of WR Bernard Berrian will limit the number of of eight- and nine-man fronts the team faced in 2007. "When they had nine, 10 guys in the box last year, we were still kind of able to get the work done," Peterson said. "It's kind of scary to see what we're capable of doing this year."
