On May 11, the Minnesota Vikings announced that they would be inducting former running back Adrian Peterson into the team’s Ring of Honor.
During his pro career in Minnesota, Peterson finished with 123 games (116 starts), 2,418 carries for 11,747 yards, and 97 touchdowns. Moreover, the former Vikings star added 241 catches for 1,945 yards through the air and five receiving scores.
Peterson also earned seven Pro Bowl selections during his time with the Vikings and was a seven-time All-Pro by The Associated Press, including First-Team honors in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2015. Additionally, he led the league in rushing in 2008, 2012, and 2015, and he twice led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (2009, 2015).
On May 12, Peterson published a video reflecting on the news that he’s being given the highest honor the Vikings can give one of their former players.
“I wanted to take a quick minute to say I am truly thankful,” Peterson posted in a video on Instagram (h/t VikingzFanPage). “I’m appreciative of all my fans, my family, and everyone who shows love and support. These last couple of days, there has been an outpouring of love and support. I just want to tell you guys that I really appreciate it, and it has been amazing.
“For people watching this who might not know what I am talking about, I will be inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor. It will take place this season. We have not selected a game yet, so once I get the information, I will inform everyone. So make sure you are there. Make sure you are a part of it.”
Adrian Peterson Thanks Vikings for Major Honor
Initially, Peterson made a trip to the Vikings’ facilities last week to address rookies during minicamp. He spent time passing along advice from his playing days, speaking directly to the younger group about what he learned along the way.
While Peterson was there, he also got the surprise news that he would be added to the Vikings Ring of Honor later this year. Moreover, Peterson thanked people within the Vikings organization for making this happen.
“It’s a special occasion,” Peterson added. “I would like to thank the Minnesota Vikings organization, the entire Wilf family, Zygi, Mark, Rob, all those guys. Coach Brad Childress, Eric Bieniemy, Rick Spielman, and Kevin Warren. Everyone who had a hand in making me a Minnesota Viking in 2007, I just want to say thank you, and I appreciate it.
“To all my fans, again, my loved ones, my phone has been blowing up, text messages, voicemails, just so much love. I haven’t been able to reach out to everybody to show them I’m appreciative, so I’m doing it now.”
Zygi Wilf on Inducting Adrian Peterson to Ring of Honor
Moreover, Zygi Wilf, the Vikings chairman and co-owner, shared his thoughts on awarding this honor to Peterson and what the running back meant to the franchise during his time with the team.
“From breaking the single-game rushing record as a rookie to his becoming one of just seven players to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season, Adrian was an electric player who captivated fans when the ball was in his hands,” Wilf said (h/t Lindsey Young of Vikings.com).
“His infectious energy and his appreciation for Vikings fans and the team’s role within the community made him even more memorable. Adrian certainly belongs in both the Vikings Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Adrian Peterson Shares True Thoughts on Vikings Honor