Adrian Peterson enters the Vikings Ring of Honor to loud roars from the home crowd
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Adrian Peterson was inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor on Monday night, drawing loud roars from a home crowd that was enamored with the electric running back from the start of his career as the seventh overall pick in the 2007 draft.The leading rusher in Vikings history, who's fifth on the NFL's career list with 14,918 yards, sported a purple blazer and a wide…
Adrian Peterson was honored on Monday night when he was inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor, eliciting enthusiastic cheers from a enthusiastic home crowd that had always supported his electrifying career. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL's all-time leading rusher with 14,918 yards, Peterson was introduced wearing a purple blazer and beaming with pride as he watched pregame warmups on the field with his family.
Prior to kickoff, Peterson led the fans in the "Skol" chant, treating them to a star-studded halftime ceremony attended by several former teammates. His final season with the Vikings was in 2016, marking the start of his six-year stint with different teams. Peterson's most successful post-Minnesota tenure was with Washington from 2018-19, though he remained inextricably linked to the Vikings due to his record-setting rookie season and numerous accolades.
In 2007, Peterson rushed for 296 yards against the Chargers, a record that still stands, and went on to earn seven Pro Bowl appearances, including his first in 2008. Peterson was crowned NFL MVP in 2012, the first non-quarterback to win the award since 1975. Peterson's career took a dramatic turn in 2014, when he was accused of child abuse for disciplining his then-4-year-old son with a wooden switch.
Despite the felony charges and a 15-game suspension, Peterson managed to avoid jail time through a no-contest plea, serving his punishment with probation, a fine, and community service. While the Vikings lost corporate sponsors and Peterson's endorsements dwindled, his popularity at the Metrodome remained steadfast, as he continued to be embraced by fans and invited to events.
Peterson expressed his deep gratitude for the support he received from the Vikings organization, recalling his positive pre-draft experience and the delicious food he enjoyed in the team cafeteria. Now living in Houston, Peterson remains an active presence in his children's lives, despite the challenges of being out of the league.
He acknowledges the sacrifices he has made and credits his family for helping him navigate this new chapter in his life.
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