Adrian Peterson

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Adrian Peterson's legacy is cemented by a collection of historic achievements that place him among the greatest running backs in NFL history. He holds the record for the most rushing yards by a freshman in NCAA history and is one of only three players to reach 10,000 career rushing yards in fewer than 12 games. His 2012 season, where he rushed for 2,097 yards, remains one of the most impressive individual campaigns in league history.His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the upcoming induction into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor in 2026 further solidify his status as a legend. Ranked #1 on Rolling Stone's list of "Greatest Running Backs of All Time" in 2021, Peterson's impact on the game transcends statistics, defining an era of power running.

AwardsAdrian Peterson has received numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career. He won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2007 and the NFL MVP Award in 2012. His 2012 season was particularly decorated, earning him the PFWA MVP, Bert Bell Award, and AP Offensive Player of the Year. He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times between 2012 and 2019 and earned First Team All-Pro honors four times. Additionally, he was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

Honours & Distinctions

College Football Hall of Fame

National Football Foundation·2017

Inducted for outstanding collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma.

Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor

Minnesota Vikings·2026

To be inducted on November 9, 2026, recognizing his contribution to the franchise.

NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

NFL·2020

Named to the best team of the decade.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Running Backs of All Time

Rolling Stone·2021

Top 100 NFL Players of All Time

ESPN·2020

#Included

100 Greatest Athletes of the 21st Century

TIME·2023

Magazine Covers

Sports Illustrated

December 2012

The Man Who Can't Be Stopped

ESPN The Magazine

November 2012

The Return of the King

Vogue

January 2013

Athletes' Off-Field Lives Special Edition

Records & Feats

NCAA Single-Season Rushing Record for Freshmen

College Record·2004

Set the record with 1,925 rushing yards in 2004, the first freshman to do so.

Fastest to 10,000 Career Rushing Yards

Career Milestone·2018

Reached 10,000 yards in just 12 seasons, the third-fastest in NFL history.

NFL Single-Game Rushing Record (Rookie)

Record·2007

Set the record with 296 rushing yards against the Detroit Lions in 2007.