Purple and Running Back Gold

     Size and durability are two, extremely important, physical traits to have in order to play in the National Football League. When Adrian Peterson decided to forego his senior year at Oklahoma, even though he was only 73 yards away from breaking the Sooners’ all-time leading rushing record, NFL scouts had doubts about both.
     Regardless of his alleged flaws, Peterson still made up for it with elusiveness, strength and blazing speed. Then in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, with the seventh overall selection, the Minnesota Vikings struck gold.
     As his rookie campaign came to a close, Peterson had gained 1,341 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. He also walked away with the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and a trip to the Pro Bowl.
     In his second season, often considered the “sophomore slump” for many second-year players, Peterson once again had double digits in the touchdown column, rushed for even more yards (1760) and earned the NFL’s Rushing Title. He also made another trip to the Pro Bowl but this time he walked away with the Pro Bowl MVP Award. 
     Peterson is arguably the best running back in the NFL today, a constant highlight reel and slightly psychic. Prior to his rookie campaign, Peterson announced that he would win the Rookie of the Year Award and he did.
     Nearly a first-round selection in every fantasy draft, A.D. (a nickname that means “All Day”) continues his third season piling up yards, scoring numerous touchdowns and re-writing many record books. Very few NFL scouts criticize him now.