The Minnesota Vikings will induct former RB Adrian Peterson into the club’s Ring of Honor in 2026. Peterson will become the third running back to enter the Vikings Ring of Honor. Assets from the team’s surprise on Thursday, May 7, are available here.
“From the moment we selected Adrian in the 2007 NFL Draft, he proved to be a transformational player for the Minnesota Vikings,” said Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf. “His historic 2012 MVP season will be rightfully remembered by fans, but Adrian’s consistent production over 10 seasons in Minnesota is what firmly established him as an all-time Viking and one of the greatest to ever play this game. It will be a privilege to welcome Adrian into the Vikings Ring of Honor this year, and we know it’s a matter of time before we are also celebrating his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
“Adrian’s career with the Minnesota Vikings set a standard that few running backs in NFL history have matched,” said Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf. “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. 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.”
Peterson, the Vikings first-round draft pick (seventh overall) in 2007, spent 10 seasons with the team from 2007-16, appearing in 123 games and averaging 95.5 rushing yards. He earned 2007 NFL Rookie of the Year honors after totaling 238 carries for 1,341 yards and 12 touchdowns and set an NFL record for the most rushing yards in a game (296 vs. San Diego).
A seven-time Associated Press All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, Peterson boasts the most rushing yards (11,747) and touchdowns (97) by a Viking in team history. His 49 games with 100+ rushing yards remain a Minnesota record, and he holds the top five rushing games in team history. Peterson earned 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player accolades after recording 348 carries for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns, joining Alan Page (1971) and Fran Tarkenton (1975) as the only three Vikings to garner the honor.
A member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Peterson capped his NFL career with 14,918 yards and 120 touchdowns, both rank fifth all-time in league history.
The addition brings the Vikings Ring of Honor to 29 members. Current members include Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page, Jim Finks, Bud Grant, Paul Krause, Fred Zamberletti, Jim Marshall, Ron Yary, Korey Stringer, Mick Tingelhoff, Carl Eller, Cris Carter, Bill Brown, Jerry Burns, Randall McDaniel, Chuck Foreman, John Randle, Scott Studwell, Chris Doleman, Matt Blair, Joey Browner, Ahmad Rashad, Randy Moss, Dennis Green, Steve Jordan, Kevin Williams, Jared Allen and Bobby Bryant.
VIKINGS CAREER RUSHING YARDS
11,747…………. Adrian Peterson
6,818 ………….. Robert Smith
VIKINGS CAREER RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
97………………. Adrian Peterson
52………………. Chuck Foreman & Bill Brown
VIKINGS RUSHING YARDS IN A SEASON
2,097 ………….. Adrian Peterson, 2012
1,760 ………….. Adrian Peterson, 2008
1,557…………… Dalvin Cook, 2020
1,521…………… Robert Smith, 2000
1,485…………… Adrian Peterson, 2015
VIKINGS CAREER 100+ YARD RUSHING GAMES
49………………. Adrian Peterson
29………………. Robert Smith
VIKINGS RUSHING YARDS IN A GAME
296……………… Adrian Peterson vs. San Diego, 11/4/07
224……………… Adrian Peterson at Chicago, 10/14/07
212……………… Adrian Peterson at St. Louis, 12/16/12
211……………… Adrian Peterson vs. Chicago, 12/1/13
210……………… Adrian Peterson at Green Bay, 12/2/12
NFL CAREER RUSHING YARDS
18,355…………. Emmitt Smith (226 games)
16,726…………. Walter Payton (190 games)
16,000…………. Frank Gore (241 games)
15,269…………. Barry Sanders (153 games)
14,918…………. Adrian Peterson (184 games)
NFL CAREER RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
164……………… Emmitt Smith (226 games)
145……………… LaDainian Tomlinson (170 games)
123……………… Marcus Allen (222 games)
122……………… Derrick Henry (153 games)
120……………… Adrian Peterson (184 games)
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