Drafting a legend
Back In 2007, the Minnesota Vikings drafted a player that most would describe as a human "freak of nature." That man goes by the name of Adrian Peterson. Also know to fans as A.P. When the Vikings chose to make their greatest investment that year, it came around a time that the Vikings were in decline. The glory days of Randy Moss and Cris Carter were gone. Minnesota was in desperate need for an answer. When they made the decision to draft A.P., it was their security blanket for being a competitive team for many seasons, and if not, they could always fill up the seats with a guy that played at that magnitude.
Stellar career
Peterson's career with the Vikings was stellar. When healthy, he ran through opponents with his nifty power moves at a speed that at times resembled a bull running with a herd. During his rookie season he broke the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game. In 2012 during his only MVP season, A.P. passed Robert Smith as the Vikings' all-time leading rusher. He was able to rack up an outstanding 11,747 yards rushing while with the Vikings. Although he was able to accomplish many team milestones, the franchise was never able to put a solid team around him to compete for a Super Bowl. Minus the one year Brett Favre stint, the franchise did not do a lot of winning. He did help them make it to the playoffs multiple times, but like the great Barry Sanders, he was just a one-of-a-kind talent that played for a mediocre team.
Setbacks
He also faced a few unfortunate setbacks with injuries and legal issues. In 2014, he was suspended after playing only one game by the NFL for a "child neglect" case. As a result of his case, he was forced to miss the rest of the season. The love the Minnesota Vikings had for him was clear when they chose to stick with him through his personal issues and welcomed him back with open arms as the starter at the beginning of the 2015 season.
Never once throughout the case did you hear of the Minnesota Vikings wanting to part ways with him. Those things can only be extended to a player that is really special.
Rich investment
The Vikings paid A.P. well during his tenure. In 2011, the Vikings signed him to a $96 million deal for a total of seven seasons. That payday made him the highest paid NFL running back of all-time.
However, unfortunately, after his many ups and downs since, the Vikings allowed Peterson to walk this offseason. On Tuesday April 25, 2017, Adrian Peterson signed a 2 year deal worth $7 million with the New Orleans Saints.
New beginning
This is the first time in over 30 years that a team has the current active leading passer and rusher on the same team with Peterson teaming up with QB Drew Brees. It marks a much needed New Beginning for Peterson. After playing in only three games this past season, he'll begin this one with a lot to prove. Amazingly, the league seemed to downplay his talent overnight. But after winning the NFL's MVP award in 2012 coming off a torn ACL injury, there should be no doubt that this man has plenty of exciting football left in the tank. Stay tuned!
