Stormin in Norman
Fansided

Adrian Peterson Now a Saint…as in New Orleans Football

By Chip Rouse

January 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Rice running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28) is tackled by Team Irvin lineman Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals (97) during the first quarter of the 2016 Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Rice running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings (28) is tackled by Team Irvin lineman Geno Atkins of the Cincinnati Bengals (97) during the first quarter of the 2016 Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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There are quite a few folks who would bristle at the idea of NFL star Adrian Peterson’s name in any way being associated with that of a saint, but get used to it, because as of today he is officially off the free-agent market and a member of the New Orleans Saints.

The former NFL MVP and Oklahoma All-American signed a two-year contract with the Saints. The deal, which has been rumored to be in the works for a couple of days, was reported on Tuesday by NFL.com, to be for two years, with $3.5 million guaranteed in the coming season and with incentives that escalators that take it up to around 8.25 million over the two years.

The 32-year-old Peterson spent the last 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, who drafted him with the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Vikings first game last season. It was his second major knee surgery in five seasons.

“I chose this team because it felt right within my spirit…and they have a great offensive line.” –Adrian Peterson on his new NFL team, the New Orleans Saints

After his first knee surgery in 2011, he returned to action in record time and rushed for 2,097 yards in 2012 to lead the NFL in that category. He also was the league’s top rusher in 2015 with 1,485 yards.

Peterson missed most of the 2014 season after being suspended by the NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, over allegations of child abuse.

For his NFL career, Peterson has rushed for 11,747 yards and averaged close to five yards per carry. He is within 60 yards of passing the great Jim Brown and entering the top-10 of all-time NFL rushing leaders.

NFL.com reported that the Saints were the only one to extend a contract offer to Peterson.

“They have a great offensive line, which is something that stood out for me,” Peterson said in speaking about his new team. “Most importantly, I chose this team because it just felt right within my spirit.”

Peterson won’t have to wait long to face his old team. The Saints play at Minnesota in Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season.

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