Adrian Peterson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Adrian Peterson.

Adrian Peterson, a former NFL running back, is considered one of the greatest in football history. He played college football at Oklahoma, setting a freshman rushing record and becoming the first freshman runner-up for the Heisman Trophy. He ended his college career as the Sooners' third all-time leading rusher before a long and successful NFL career.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1984: Comparison to John Riggins' Record

During the 2018 season, Adrian Peterson became the oldest player to reach 1,000 rushing yards in a season since John Riggins in 1984.

2003: Senior Year Rushing

In 2003, Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,960 yards and 32 touchdowns during his senior year.

2004: Oklahoma Sooners Freshman Season

In 2004, Adrian Peterson began playing for the Oklahoma Sooners and broke several NCAA freshman rushing records, rushing for 1,925 yards.

2004: Freshman Rushing Record

In 2004, Adrian Peterson set the freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards. That year, he was also named a unanimous All-American and became the first freshman to finish as a runner-up in the Heisman Trophy balloting.

2005: Heisman Trophy Runner-Up

Despite a record-breaking season, Adrian Peterson finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2005.

October 2007: Offensive Rookie of the Month

For his performance in September and October of 2007, Adrian Peterson received the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month award.

November 4, 2007: Broke NFL Single Game Rushing Record

On November 4, 2007, Adrian Peterson broke the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers.

December 2, 2007: Return to Action

On December 2, 2007, almost a month after his injury, Peterson returned to play against the Detroit Lions. During the game, he scored two touchdowns and rushed for 116 yards.

2007: Finished Second in Rushing Yards

During the 2007 season, Peterson finished in second place in rushing yards with 1,341 yards.

2007: Start of Leading the NFL in Rushing

From the 2007 season, Adrian Peterson began a period where he led the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.

2007: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

In 2007, Peterson was named The Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and was named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team for the 2007 season.

February 10, 2008: NFL Pro Bowl MVP Award

On February 10, 2008, Peterson won the 2008 NFL Pro Bowl MVP award with 16 carries for 129 rushing yards along with two touchdowns.

2008: Named NFC Pro Bowl Starting Running Back

In 2008, Adrian Peterson was named as the starting running back for the 2008 NFC Pro Bowl team.

2008: Led the League in Rushing

In 2008, Peterson finished leading the league in rushing with 1,760 yards and was named the recipient of the Bert Bell Award.

January 14, 2009: Named to Second AP All-Pro Team

On January 14, 2009, Peterson was named to his second AP All-Pro team in two years.

2010: 5,000 Rushing Yards

In 2010, Adrian Peterson became the fifth-fastest player to run for 5,000 yards, achieving this in his 51st game.

2010: Strong Start to the 2010 Season

In 2010, Peterson started the season strongly with 392 yards and three touchdowns in the first three weeks, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He reached the 5,000 yard career rushing mark.

September 18, 2011: Reached 6,000-Yard Milestone

On September 18, 2011, Peterson reached the 6,000-yard milestone in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2011: Ranked in NFL Top 100

After the 2010 season, Peterson was voted as the third-ranked player and top running back on the NFL Network's list of the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

2011: Vikings Improved Record

In 2011, The Vikings improved from 3-13. qualifying as NFC's sixth seed in the playoffs.

2012: Earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week

Adrian Peterson earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week for the first time since Week 14 of the 2012 season, after being traded to the Arizona Cardinals.

2012: NFL MVP Award

In 2012, Adrian Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards and received the NFL MVP Award.

2012: Near Record-Breaking Season

In 2012, Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards, the second-most ever in a single season, and led the Vikings to the playoffs. He won NFL Offensive Player of the Year and NFL MVP awards.

2012: Ranked in NFL Top 100

In 2012, Peterson was ranked eighth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players.

2013: Reached 10,000 Rushing Yards

In 2013, Adrian Peterson became the third-fastest player to reach 10,000 rushing yards in NFL history.

2013: Ranked Best Player in NFL

Peterson was ranked as the best player in the NFL amongst his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.

2014: Ranked Fourth in NFL Top 100

In 2014, Peterson was ranked fourth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players, marking his fourth consecutive finish in the top ten.

February 26, 2015: Reinstated to the League

On February 26, 2015, Peterson was reinstated to the NFL after a U.S. District Court ruling. He returned to the Vikings on June 2.

2017: Ranked in NFL Top 100 Players

Despite playing only three games in 2016 due to injury, Adrian Peterson was ranked 98th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

September 9, 2018: Moved to Top 10 in Career Rushing Yards

On September 9, 2018, in a game against the Arizona Cardinals, Adrian Peterson moved into the top 10 on the career rushing yards list, surpassing Jim Brown.

December 4, 2021: Activated by Seahawks, Ties Rushing TD Record

On December 4, 2021, Adrian Peterson was activated off the practice squad for the Seahawks' game against the 49ers, where he scored a rushing touchdown and tied Jim Brown for tenth on the all-time rushing touchdowns list.