If Frank Gore can do it, why not Adrian Peterson? The NFL’s fifth leading rusher of all time to return for a 15th season, but wants to finally get a chance at a Super Bowl ring. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team that Peterson is focused on, as they are the defending Super Bowl champion and will have the chance to repeat with Tom Brady as their fullback.
“It will definitely be something I’m interested in playing with Tom Brady. It’s enticing in itself,” Peterson told TMZ Sports this week. “If they want me to take part in it, I’ll definitely take part in it. Because I’m definitely trying to add a trophy to my resume.”
Peterson, who texted Brady during Super Bowl week, was inspired by Brady, who played at a high level at age 43. Playing so well in his forties inspires Peterson to keep going, especially since his ability to score has not diminished. Peterson’s 19 finishes over the past three seasons are more than Saquon Barkley and Joe Mixon.
He has a commitment to the Buccaneers outside of Brady, as head coach Bruce Arians traded for Peterson in the middle of the 2017 season.
“When you see other guys play in their 40s – even if it’s a different position – it’s a motivation for me,” Peterson said. “It tells me I’m on the right track.”
At 35, Peterson rushed 604 yards on 156 runs and seven touchdowns in 16 games for the Detroit Lions. The veteran running back was released by the Washington Football Team days before the 2020 season, yet he was able to start ten more games for Detroit.
Peterson has 14,820 rushing yards for his career, just 450 yards from Barry Sanders as fourth on the all-time list. His 118 rushing assists are fourth on the all-time list, just six away from Marcus Allen for third place (123).
There are still individual milestones for Peterson, but the Super Bowl ring is what he desires. If Brady Peterson signs to join Tampa Bay, chances are he will play for the Buccaneers in 2021.