Adrian Peterson Comments on Legacy, Hall of Fame Credentials and More

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has a rare opportunity to reinvent himself as a player and person after already being regarded as one of the NFL's best talents since entering the league in 2007. 

Last year, Peterson played one game before being placed on the commissioner's exempt list after he was indicted on a felony count of reckless or negligent injury to a child, a charge that was reduced to a misdemeanor. The 2012 NFL MVP told Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune that what happened last year won't impact how people see him:

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I don't think it will have an impact on how I'm remembered because at the end of the day, it's still the game of football—people looking at what you do on the field. I think more so the fans of Minnesota [will remember] because it's your hometown team. But not to the extent that I think you think it will be. I don't think it will be too damning.

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While Peterson is confident about the reception he will receive from Minnesota fans, he acknowledged it was difficult to move past what people were saying about him.

"I've kind of let it go," Peterson said. "But I'm not going to lie to you: If I see some people's faces, it's going to remind me. Like, 'Oh, Cris Carter had to say this, had this to say.' So there are things I'm not going to say here that I'll be thinking in my head. It's better left in my mind than saying it about certain people."

Legacy is something great athletes think about. And at Peterson's position, a steep decline once a player reaches the age of 30 isn't surprising. The Oklahoma product has not only reached that milestone but also has piled up 2,054 carries over eight NFL seasons and a major knee surgery to his name.

"I'm going to be blunt and honest with you," Peterson said. "I feel like if I didn't play another snap in my life, I got the opportunity to go in the Hall of Fame right now."

Numbers do put Peterson on the cusp of Canton. He ranks 28th in career yards (10,190), is tied for 14th in rushing touchdowns (86) and tied for seventh in average yards per carry (5.0). 

Using the Pro-Football-Reference.com career player comparison tool, through eight NFL seasons, Peterson stacks up alongside Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson, Marcus Allen and Earl Campbell. 

Peterson said his plan is to play at least seven more seasons, surpass Emmitt Smith's NFL-record 18,355 rushing yards and be regarded as "the greatest player" in NFL history. 

If he stays healthy and retains his current average of 98.0 rushing yards per game, it will take Peterson approximately 5.25 seasons to record the 8,165 yards he needs to tie Smith. 

It's a tall task, but Peterson said playing only one game in 2014 could actually help his longevity:

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My body is so much fresher, so that's good. And I think not being able to be a part of last year, that alone will just have me eager to play harder and faster and with more passion. That's just the way I play anyway, but with that on top, I'll definitely be out there with more energy and more excitement.

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The Vikings are drawing a lot of buzz heading into 2015, with Sports Illustrated's Don Banks picking them to finish second in the NFC North. Peterson's return is certainly a big part of that because he's carried this team into the playoffs before, running for 2,097 yards in 2012. 

Minnesota didn't fall apart last year without Peterson, winning seven games, so a full season with one of the league's best running backs alongside a talented second-year quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater makes this team plenty dangerous. 

Stats via Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.