Adrian Peterson is entering his 14th season in the NFL, his third with the Washington Redskins. The 2012 NFL MVP has rejuvenated his career with Washington as he has moved up the all-time rushing list. Now, Peterson has his sights set on passing Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.
Appearing on the NFL Network, Peterson said passing Sanders would be one of the highlights of his storied career.
“That’s definitely one of the goals, passing Barry Sanders would definitely be one of the highlights of my career,” Peterson said according to Pro Football Talk. “What he accomplished, and how I’ve looked up to him, I’ve always wanted to say I did something better than Barry Sanders,”
Sanders is currently fourth all-time in rushing yards with 15,269 yards. That’s one spot ahead of Peterson. If he can pass Sanders, Peterson will add to an already impressive Hall of Fame resume.
Peterson would need to rush for 1,054 yards to move ahead of Sanders. He has led the Redskins in rushing in each of the past two seasons. He has totaled 1,940 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Burgundy and Gold.
While Peterson seems like the most locked of any Redskins running back, he will have to overcome a crowded running back room. Derrius Guice, the Redskins’ 2018 second-round pick, is set to return after knee injuries have sidelined him in each of his first two seasons. The Redskins also drafted Antonio Gibson in the third round of this year’s draft.
Additionally, they’ve added JD McKissic and Peyton Barber in free agency. The Redskins hired Ron Rivera as head coach. They also added Scott Turner as offensive coordinator. Peterson will be faced with the challenges of impressing a new coaching staff and rising above competition.
If he does, there is little doubt he can push towards surpassing Sanders on the all-time rushing list, even at the age of 35.
