Adrian Lewis Peterson is an American former football running back who had a distinguished fifteen-season career in the National Football League (NFL). Widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in football history, Peterson played college football for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he set the freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards in 2004. He was named a unanimous All-American and became the first freshman to finish as a runner-up in the Heisman Trophy balloting. Peterson concluded his college career as the Sooners' third all-time leading rusher.
1980: Earl Campbell's Historic Season
In 1980, Earl Campbell became the first player to rush for 150 or more yards in seven games during an NFL season. Adrian Peterson matched this achievement in his 2012 season.
1984: Eric Dickerson Sets Rushing Record
In 1984, Eric Dickerson set the NFL single-season record for the most rushing yards with 2,105 yards. This milestone became a notable reference point in Adrian Peterson's career as he aimed to break it later on.
March 21, 1985: Birth of Adrian Peterson
Adrian Lewis Peterson was born on March 21, 1985. He would go on to become one of the greatest running backs in football history. This date marks his entry into the world.
1999: Worst Season Since 1999
The 2005 season marked Oklahoma's worst season since 1999, as they finished with an 8-4 record. Despite this, Adrian Peterson was named a member of the All-Big 12 Conference team.
2002: Track & Field Success
In 2002, Adrian Peterson excelled in track & field at Woodward. He recorded a wind-legal time of 10.26 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the District 15-4A Championships, taking first place by a large margin.
2003: High School Rushing Achievements
In 2003, Adrian Peterson, as a senior, rushed for 2,960 yards on 252 attempts, averaging 11.7 yards per carry, and scored 32 touchdowns. His performance was so notable that players from opposing teams asked for his autograph after games.
2003: Second-Place Finish in State Track Meet
In 2003, Peterson posted a wind-assisted time of 10.33 seconds in the 100 meters at the UIL State Track Meet, finishing second behind Ivory Williams. He also contributed to a victory in the 4 x 100 meter relay at the District 14-4A Championships.
October 30, 2004: Career-High Rushing Yards Against Oklahoma State
On October 30, 2004, Adrian Peterson had a career-high 249 yards against Oklahoma State, including an 80-yard touchdown run. Despite dislocating his left shoulder, he managed to run for 101 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries against Texas A&M.
2004: Freshman Season at Oklahoma
In 2004, during his freshman season at the University of Oklahoma, Adrian Peterson broke several NCAA freshman rushing records, including rushing for a conference-leading 1,925 yards. He set a freshman record by rushing for more than 100 yards in each of the first nine games of the season.
2004: Top High School Football Player
In 2004, Adrian Peterson was regarded as a five-star recruit and listed as the best running back and overall prospect in his class. He chose to attend the University of Oklahoma and was awarded the Hall Trophy as the U.S. Army National Player of the Year.
2004: Freshman Rushing Record at Oklahoma
In 2004, Adrian Peterson set the freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards while playing college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was named a unanimous All-American and became the first freshman to finish as a runner-up in the Heisman Trophy balloting.
2004: Continued Track & Field Success
In 2004, Adrian Peterson ran the second leg on the Palestine 4 × 100 meter relay squad, helping them to a victory with a time of 41.50 seconds at the District 14-4A Championships. Peterson has personal-best times of 10.19 seconds in the 100 meters, 21.23 seconds in the 200 meters, and 47.6 seconds in the 400 meters.
2004: Debate Over NFL Age Limit
Following Maurice Clarett's unsuccessful attempt to sue the NFL over its age limit in 2004, Adrian Peterson was frequently mentioned in debates about whether any high school football player might be able to make the leap to the pro game.
2005: Participation in the 2005 BCS National Championship Game
In 2005, Adrian Peterson contributed to a perfect regular season for the Oklahoma Sooners and played in the BCS National Championship Game, where the Sooners were defeated by the USC Trojans. Peterson had surgery on his left shoulder after the season.
2005: Injury and Limited Playing Time
In 2005, Adrian Peterson's playing time was limited due to a broken foot and an ankle injury. Despite these challenges, he rushed for 1,208 yards and 14 touchdowns, finishing second in rushing yardage in the Big 12.
October 14, 2006: Nelson Peterson Released from Prison and Attends Game
On October 14, 2006, Adrian Peterson's father, Nelson, was released from prison and attended his son's game as a spectator for the first time. Oklahoma defeated Iowa State, but Peterson broke his collar bone diving into the end zone on a 53-yard touchdown run.
October 18, 2006: Adrian Peterson Announces Injury Layoff
On October 18, 2006, during a press conference, Adrian Peterson announced that he would be out for 4-6 weeks due to a broken collar bone he sustained on October 14, 2006. He missed the rest of the regular season, but returned for the 2007 Fiesta Bowl.
2006: College Career at Oklahoma
Adrian Peterson played for the Oklahoma Sooners football team from 2004 to 2006. During this time, he became one of the top running backs in college football, setting multiple records and leading the nation in carries during his freshman season.
January 15, 2007: Adrian Peterson Declares for NFL Draft
On January 15, 2007, Adrian Peterson declared that he would forego his senior year of college and enter the 2007 NFL Draft. Known for his speed, strength, and determination, Peterson was compared to legends like Eric Dickerson and Walter Payton despite concerns about his injuries.
April 28, 2007: Adrian Peterson Drafted by Minnesota Vikings
On April 28, 2007, Adrian Peterson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He was the first running back selected, and he assured teams that his collarbone was 90% healed and that he was prepared for the season.
July 29, 2007: Adrian Peterson Signs Contract with Vikings
On July 29, 2007, nearly three months after being drafted, Adrian Peterson signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings worth $40.5 million over five years, with $17 million guaranteed. He expressed his determination to turn the team around and bring excitement to the games.
September 9, 2007: Adrian Peterson's NFL Debut
On September 9, 2007, Adrian Peterson ran for 103 yards on 19 carries in his first NFL regular season game against the Atlanta Falcons. He scored his first professional touchdown on a 60-yard pass reception. His performance earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award for September and October 2007.
October 14, 2007: Adrian Peterson's Breakout Game
On October 14, 2007, Adrian Peterson had a breakout game against the Chicago Bears, scoring three touchdowns and setting a then-franchise record of 224 rushing yards on 20 carries. He was named the Offensive Player of the Week for his performance.
October 2007: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month
In October 2007, Adrian Peterson was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for his performance over his first three regular season games, where he accumulated 431 yards from scrimmage, a team record.
November 4, 2007: Adrian Peterson Sets NFL Rushing Record
On November 4, 2007, Adrian Peterson broke the NFL single game rushing yard record with 296 yards on 30 carries and three touchdowns against the San Diego Chargers. This performance earned him his second Offensive Player of the Week title in his rookie season.
November 11, 2007: Adrian Peterson Injures Knee
On November 11, 2007, Adrian Peterson injured the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during a game against the Green Bay Packers. The injury kept him out of action until December 2, 2007, when he returned to score two touchdowns and rush for 116 yards against the Detroit Lions.
December 2, 2007: Adrian Peterson Returns from Injury
On December 2, 2007, almost a month after injuring his knee, Adrian Peterson returned to action against the Detroit Lions, scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 116 yards.
2007: Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings
In 2007, Adrian Peterson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the seventh overall pick in the NFL draft. As a rookie, he set an NFL record for the most rushing yards in a single game with 296 yards and was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
February 10, 2008: Peterson wins 2008 NFL Pro Bowl MVP
On February 10, 2008, Peterson won the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl MVP award with 16 carries for 129 rushing yards along with two touchdowns. This performance made him the first rookie since Marshall Faulk in 1994 to win the Pro Bowl MVP award. The 129 rushing yards were the second most in Pro Bowl history.
2008: Adrian Peterson Named Pro Bowl Starter
On December 18, 2007, Adrian Peterson was named as the starting running back for the 2008 NFC Pro Bowl team. On January 2, 2008, he was awarded The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and was also named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team for the 2007 season.
January 14, 2009: Peterson named to second AP All-Pro team
On January 14, 2009, Adrian Peterson was named to his second AP All-Pro team in two years, recognizing his outstanding 2008 season where he led the league in rushing with 1,760 yards.
2010: Achievement of 5,000 Rushing Yards
In 2010, Adrian Peterson became the fifth-fastest player in NFL history to run for 5,000 yards, accomplishing this milestone in his 51st game.
September 10, 2011: Peterson signs a record contract
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.
September 18, 2011: Peterson reaches 6,000-yard milestone
On September 18, 2011, Adrian Peterson reached the 6,000-yard milestone in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite the team losing the game.
2011: ACL and MCL Tear
In 2011, Adrian Peterson tore both his ACL and MCL in a game, a significant injury that impacted his career.
2011: Vikings' Struggle in 2011 Season
In 2011, the Minnesota Vikings finished with a 3–13 record. The team's significant improvement to 10–6 in 2012 was partly due to Adrian Peterson's historic season.
2012: Near-Breaking of Single-Season Rushing Record
Despite his injury in 2011, Adrian Peterson returned by the start of the 2012 season and ended it with 2,097 rushing yards, just nine yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season record. He received the NFL MVP Award for his efforts.
2012: Adrian Peterson's Historic 2012 Season
During the 2012 NFL season, Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards, just nine yards short of breaking Eric Dickerson's record. He also became only the seventh player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. His performance earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP awards. He was also named to his fifth Pro Bowl and third first-team All-Pro.
October 11, 2013: Tragic Death of Peterson's Son
On October 11, 2013, Adrian Peterson's two-year-old son died in 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. Peterson had only learned about his son a few weeks prior and had never met him before his untimely death.
2013: Achieving 10,000 Rushing Yards
In 2013, Adrian Peterson became the third-fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 rushing yards.
2013: Adrian Peterson's 2013 Season
In 2013, Adrian Peterson opened the season with a 78-yard touchdown on his first carry. Despite personal tragedy and media scrutiny, he managed to rush for 1,266 yards and 10 touchdowns in 14 games, earning his sixth Pro Bowl selection and ranking fourth on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.
2013: Adrian Peterson Ranked Best Player
In 2013, Adrian Peterson was ranked as the best player in the NFL by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players list. This ranking highlighted his exceptional performance during the 2012 season.
November 4, 2014: No Contest Plea for Assault
On November 4, 2014, Adrian Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of recklessly assaulting his son. He avoided jail time by reaching a plea agreement, which included probation, a $4,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service. As a result, he was suspended by the NFL.
November 18, 2014: Suspension Upheld by Arbitrator
On November 18, 2014, arbitrator Shyam Das ruled in favor of the NFL, allowing them to keep Adrian Peterson on the commissioner's exempt list. This effectively ended any chance Peterson had of playing in the 2014 season.
December 2014: Appeal Affirmed, Suspension Continued
In December 2014, NFL-appointed arbitrator Harold Henderson affirmed Adrian Peterson's unpaid suspension until at least spring 2015. This decision was met with immediate consideration of legal remedies by the NFL Players Association.
2014: Indicted on Charges of Reckless or Negligent Injury to a Child
In 2014, Adrian Peterson was indicted by a grand jury in Texas on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child that occurred earlier that year, leading to his suspension for the rest of the season.
2014: NFL Top 100 Players of 2014
Adrian Peterson was ranked fourth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014, marking his fourth consecutive finish in the top ten.
February 6, 2015: Federal Court Appeal Hearing Scheduled
In February 2015, after a controversial season, Adrian Peterson's league appeal was upheld, and a federal court appeal hearing was scheduled for February 6, 2015.
February 26, 2015: Reinstated to the NFL
On February 26, 2015, Adrian Peterson was reinstated to the NFL after U.S. District Court Judge David Doty ruled in favor of the NFL Players Association's lawsuit against the NFL on Peterson's behalf.
2015: Suspension and Legal Challenges
In 2015, Adrian Peterson faced continued legal challenges regarding his suspension, with ongoing disputes involving the NFL and NFL Players Association.
August 4, 2016: NFL Wins Appeal on Peterson's Suspension
On August 4, 2016, ESPN reported that the NFL won an appeal reversing a ruling that had previously overturned Adrian Peterson's suspension and fine.
September 23, 2016: Peterson placed on injured reserve
On September 23, 2016, Adrian Peterson was placed on injured reserve following a successful surgery to repair his torn meniscus. Additionally, it was revealed he had a mild LCL sprain that did not require surgery.
2016: Defaulting on Loan
In 2016, Adrian Peterson defaulted on a loan from a Minnesota bank, leading to legal and financial challenges.
2016: Adrian Peterson's 2016 Achievements
In 2016, Adrian Peterson led the NFL in single-season rushing yards with 1,485 yards, earning his third career rushing title. He was named a first-team All-Pro for the fourth time and was selected for his seventh Pro Bowl. He was also ranked as the best running back and the fifth best player on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016 list.
2016: Opening of Gym in Houston
In 2016, Adrian Peterson, along with his friend and former teammate Trent Williams, opened a gym in Houston. The facility featured a soccer field, an MMA training area, and an incline running hill.
2016: Loan Default Leading to Legal Issues
In 2016, Adrian Peterson defaulted on a loan from DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC, resulting in significant legal and financial challenges.
February 28, 2017: Vikings decline Peterson's contract option
On February 28, 2017, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they would not exercise Adrian Peterson's 2017 option on his contract, making him a free agent. The decision marked the end of Peterson's tenure with the Vikings, during which he led the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns from 2007 to 2016.
March 1, 2017: Default on Settlement Payment
On March 1, 2017, Adrian Peterson failed to make the full payment of $5.2 million on a loan from DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC, leading to legal action.
April 25, 2017: Peterson signs with the New Orleans Saints
On April 25, 2017, Adrian Peterson signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, including a $2.5 million signing bonus.
September 11, 2017: Peterson debuts with the Saints
On September 11, 2017, Adrian Peterson played his first game with the New Orleans Saints against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings. He was limited to 18 rushing yards on six carries in a 29-19 loss.
October 10, 2017: Peterson traded to the Arizona Cardinals
On October 10, 2017, Adrian Peterson was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for a conditional sixth-round draft pick.
December 15, 2017: Peterson placed on injured reserve
On December 15, 2017, Adrian Peterson was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury. He finished the 2017 season with 529 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
2017: Signing with the New Orleans Saints
In 2017, Adrian Peterson signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. He was later traded to the Arizona Cardinals mid-season and subsequently released at the season's end.
2017: Viral Video on Road Rage
In 2017, a video clip of Adrian Peterson discussing how to handle road rage situations patiently went viral. The interviewer did not recognize Peterson until he revealed his identity at the end.
March 13, 2018: Cardinals release Peterson
On March 13, 2018, the Arizona Cardinals released Adrian Peterson.
August 20, 2018: Peterson signs with the Washington Redskins
On August 20, 2018, Adrian Peterson signed a one-year, veteran minimum contract with the Washington Redskins after their running backs suffered multiple preseason injuries.
September 9, 2018: Peterson's strong debut with the Redskins
On September 9, 2018, Adrian Peterson rushed for 96 yards and scored his 100th career rushing touchdown in a 24-6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, moving into the top 10 on the career rushing yards list.
2018: Peterson's Discipline Methods Revealed
In 2018, Adrian Peterson admitted that he was still using a belt to discipline his son, sparking further controversy.
2018: Legal Disputes Over Loan Default
In 2018, DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC sued Adrian Peterson for failing to repay a 2016 loan. The case involved prolonged legal disputes.
2018: Repayment Order for Loan Default
In 2018, Adrian Peterson was ordered to repay a Minnesota bank for defaulting on a 2016 loan.
March 13, 2019: Peterson re-signs with the Redskins
On March 13, 2019, Adrian Peterson signed a two-year, $8 million contract to stay with the Washington Redskins.
July 2019: Court Order to Pay Creditor
In July 2019, a Maryland state judge ordered Adrian Peterson to pay a creditor $2.4 million due to financial disputes.
2019: Settlement Agreement in Loan Dispute
In 2019, Adrian Peterson reached a settlement agreement with DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC after defaulting on a loan.
September 4, 2020: Redskins release Peterson
On September 4, 2020, the Washington Redskins released Adrian Peterson. During his time with the team, he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Team for the 2010s and received the Art Rooney Award.
September 6, 2020: Peterson signs with the Detroit Lions
On September 6, 2020, Adrian Peterson signed a one-year, $1.05 million contract with the Detroit Lions. In his first game, he accumulated 114 yards from scrimmage in a 27-23 loss to the Chicago Bears.
January 2021: Court Order to Pay $8.3 Million
In January 2021, a New York State Supreme Court judge ordered Adrian Peterson to pay DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC $8.3 million after he defaulted on a settlement agreement.
November 2, 2021: Peterson joins Titans practice squad
On November 2, 2021, Adrian Peterson was signed to the Tennessee Titans' practice squad after an injury to Derrick Henry.
November 5, 2021: Peterson promoted to active roster
On November 5, 2021, Adrian Peterson was promoted to the active roster of the Tennessee Titans.
November 23, 2021: Titans waive Peterson
On November 23, 2021, the Tennessee Titans waived Adrian Peterson, ending his short stint with the team.
December 1, 2021: Peterson signs with Seahawks practice squad
On December 1, 2021, Adrian Peterson signed with the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.
December 4, 2021: Peterson activated for Seahawks' game
On December 4, 2021, Adrian Peterson was activated for the Seattle Seahawks' Week 13 game against the San Francisco 49ers. He scored a rushing touchdown, tying Jim Brown for tenth on the all-time rushing touchdowns list.
January 17, 2022: Peterson becomes a free agent
On January 17, 2022, Adrian Peterson became a free agent after completing the season with the Seattle Seahawks.
February 13, 2022: Arrest for Domestic Violence Incident
On February 13, 2022, Adrian Peterson was arrested by Los Angeles Airport Police for a domestic violence incident involving his wife, Ashley, on a flight to Houston, Texas. The plane returned to the gate, and Peterson was removed. He was released on a $50,000 bond, and the domestic violence charge was later dropped.
2023: Participation in 'Dancing with the Stars'
In 2023, Adrian Peterson participated in the ABC reality competition series 'Dancing with the Stars'. He and his dance partner, Britt Stewart, finished in 11th place.
2023: Peterson's Undecided Retirement
In 2023, Adrian Peterson, as a free agent, announced that he had not retired from pro football and expressed his willingness to play for one more season. He mentioned he would officially retire if he did not play in 2023. Ultimately, Peterson was not signed by any team and did not play in the 2023 season.
February 2024: Assets Seized Due to Unpaid Debt
In February 2024, court records revealed that Adrian Peterson had not paid any of the $8.3 million owed to DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC, leading to the seizure and auctioning of his personal assets.
2024: Peterson's NFL MVP Legacy
As of 2024, Adrian Peterson remains the most recent non-quarterback player to win the NFL MVP award, a testament to his outstanding performance in the 2012 season.