Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…
8. Adrian Peterson
Drafted seventh overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2007 out of Oklahoma, Peterson exploded as a rookie, setting an NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards against the Chargers and earning Offensive Rookie of the Year with 1,341 yards.
Over 10 seasons with the Vikings, he led the league in rushing three times (2008, 2012, 2015), with his 2012 MVP season seeing 2,097 yards—just nine shy of the all-time record—after tearing his ACL the prior year, also winning Comeback Player of the Year.
Peterson’s accolades include seven Pro Bowls, four All-Pro selections and three rushing titles, powering Minnesota to multiple playoff appearances.
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Released in 2017, he bounced between the Saints, Cardinals, Washington, Lions, Titans, and Seahawks, adding 3,000+ yards and notable stints like 1,042 yards with Washington in 2018. His last NFL action was in 2021.
Peterson’s career totals include 3,230 rushes for 14,918 yards (4.6 average) and 120 rushing touchdowns, plus 305 receptions for 2,474 yards and six scores, ranking him fifth all-time in rushing yards and fourth in rushing touchdowns. He was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
Peterson’s standout attributes were his rare blend of power and speed, with a 4.4 40-yard dash and the strength to break arm tackles effortlessly. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, his vision and balance made him nearly unstoppable. He was a violent, one-cut runner: explosive through the hole, with stiff-arms and spin moves to evade, often dragging defenders for extra yards.
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Peterson is a surefire Hall of Famer.
But who ranks ahead of Peterson at No. 7 all-time?