Realistic Goals? Adrian Peterson Eyes 2,500 Rushing Yards, 2016 Olympics

Ambitious would be one word you could use to describe Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. If there was any question as to whether Peterson was still the NFL‘s best running back after his ACL surgery, he answered that emphatically in 2012, rushing for a career high 2,097 yards.

One thing that we’ve learned about Peterson is that nothing is ever enough. Being second-best in NFL history for rushing yards in a season is not good enough for No. 28. That’s why fans love him.

While it was disappointing to see AP come so close to the record, it may actually benefit the franchise heading into 2013. Why? Because I don’t think it’s going to sit too well with Peterson. I think this will only further ignite the flame that drives him, and I predict he will come into 2013 more motivated than ever.

Some evidence of that has already shown through, as Peterson now has his sights set on 2,500 yards in a single-season. A mark that would absolutely destroy the current record of 2,105.

“I want to try to set the ball higher than that. I want to make it the 2,500 club. It’s definitely out there. I feel like it’s definitely attainable… Enjoy this last year because the record’s going down, with ease.”

Vikings’ fans have to love that. The rest of the NFL, not so much.

In addition to this lofty goal, Peterson has also mentioned that he’d like to run the 200m or 400m in the 2016 Olympics:

“I feel like I can stand up to any challenge. I know a lot of people laugh and be like ‘come on, let’s be real with yourself – it’s Usain Bolt,’ but I feel like you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.”

So which goal is more lofty? I’m going to say the Olympics, mainly because Peterson will be 31 at the time and have another four years of NFL wear and tear on his legs.

These goals, while unrealistic to some, are certainly not out of the realm of possibility for Peterson to achieve. If I had to pick one, I’ll take the 2,500 yards, because I’m not sure Peterson can hang with the likes of Usain Bolt. However, after 2012, no one should ever doubt what Adrian Peterson is capable of.

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