Adrian Peterson's Season, Potentially His Last, Is Officially Over After Landing On IR
A tip of the cap to Adrian Peterson, who kept his career afloat well into his 30's by always exhibiting the requisite work to appear on Sundays.
With all the hard work, AP remained relevant in his 15th year in the NFL. He first signed on with the Tennessee Titans early in the season as the team recovered from the loss of Derrick Henry. He then joined the Seattle Seahawks backfield as it dealt with injuries and COVID sit-outs.
His season, which very well may be his last, is finally at an end.
Joining Seattle's IR, Peterson will be inactive for the season's final two games — having played a total of one game for the Seahawks. Seattles' postseason odds are also in the rearview mirror at 5-10.
At 37 years of age, expectations on Peterson's production were light, but his impact on the team appears to have been mainly behind the scenes.
Head coach Pete Carroll credited AP for helping to mentor backup running back Rashaad Penny since the vet signed on to the team at the start of December.
"You guys have got to ask Rashaad what he would tell you," Carroll noted after a Week 16 loss to the Chicago Bears. "But I would think (Peterson) might have had as much impact on Rashaad as anybody."
On Dec. 12, Penny rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns against the Houston Texans.
"It does say a tremendous amount about him, his character, his makeup, his stature as a player, but also what he represents as a competitor. I mean, he's the ultimate," Carroll added.
Spanning seven teams in his career, Peterson's relic-like presence that followed him stemmed from his time in Minnesota (2007-2016).
Playing for the Vikings, Peterson ran his way to seven Pro Bowl nominations and led the league in rushing three times. He earned the NFL MVP honors in 2012 — his comeback season after a devastating ACL injury in 2011.
In 2007 against the San Diego Chargers, Peterson set the record for most rushing yards in a game at 296.
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