Tag: Adrian Peterson

Could an Oklahoma Sooners transfer target be a Heisman contender in 2025?

One of Oklahoma’s transfer targets could be a Heisman contender in 2025 according to USA TODAY Sports.

After Colorado defensive back/wide receiver Travis Hunter edged Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty for the 2024 [autotag]Heisman Trophy[/autotag], some already have their eyes on the next recipient of the award.

The Oklahoma Sooners are no strangers to the coveted trophy; seven OU players have won the Heisman. Running backs [autotag]Billy Vessels[/autotag], [autotag]Steve Owens[/autotag] and [autotag]Billy Sims[/autotag] won in the 20th century. Quarterbacks [autotag]Jason White[/autotag], [autotag]Sam Bradford[/autotag], [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag] and [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag] are OU’s 21st century winners. autotag]Josh Heupel[/autotag], [autotag]Adrian Peterson[/autotag] and [autotag]Jalen Hurts[/autotag] finished as runners-up for the prestigious award.

But looking ahead, could the 2025 winner of the Heisman Trophy be wearing a Sooner uniform?

The answer could be found via the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag]. In fact, USA TODAY Sports already has a list of potential Heisman candidates for 2025, identifying 11 players.

One of those players was former Washington State quarterback John Mateer. He has entered the transfer portal and will be one of the top quarterbacks available. He’s expected to be at the top of Oklahoma’s wish list at the position.

That’s because Oklahoma’s new offensive coordinator [autotag]Ben Arbuckle[/autotag] coached Mateer to an excellent season in Pullman in 2024. With Arbuckle in Norman, the Sooners could have an inside track to landing the native Texan.

Mateer’s former offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle recently took the same job at Oklahoma and would be an obvious potential landing spot if he decides to enter the transfer portal, although he may very well be a Heisman contender regardless of what school he plays for next year. – Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Sports

Mateer signing with OU would be massive for the program. The Sooners struggled at the quarterback position all year, and he would be an upgrade at the position.

Furthermore, he already knows Arbuckle’s offense, so there would be much less of a learning curve for him under center.

Mateer is expected to have plenty of other suitors, so the Sooners will have to pay up if they want to bring him to Norman.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @Aaron_Gelvin.

Kyren Williams is in all-time great company with impressive start to career

Kyren Williams is in the company of some all-time greats with the numbers he’s put up in his first three seasons

Kyren Williams didn’t exactly get off to a roaring start in the NFL. As a rookie, he broke his foot during OTAs and then suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 1, causing him to miss significant time during the offseason and then seven games during the regular season.

As a fifth-round rookie, expectations were low to begin with, but Williams endured some adversity early on in his career.

Since then, however, he’s been one of the most productive backs in football. He had 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023 despite missing five games, leading the NFL with an average of 95.3 yards per game.

This year, he’s rushed for 1,013 yards and 12 touchdowns, giving him back-to-back seasons with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. As uncovered by J.B. Long of the Rams, Williams is the first running back since Adrian Peterson in 2007-2009 to have at least two seasons of 1,000-plus rushing yards and 12-plus rushing touchdowns in his first three years.

That’s impressive enough, but when you dig even further, you see just how rare Williams’ start to his career has been.

According to Stathead, only 16 players in NFL history have ever had two seasons of 1,000 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in their first three seasons. Three players accomplished it in all three years: Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell, all of whom are Hall of Famers.

Of the other 13 players who accomplished it twice, seven of them are Hall of Famers, and that doesn’t include Peterson, who’s a future Hall of Famer.

That makes 10 Hall of Famers out of the 14 who are eligible for Canton.

Query Results Table
Rk Player Count
▼		 From To
1 Barry Sanders 3 1989 1991
2 Eric Dickerson 3 1983 1985
3 Earl Campbell 3 1978 1980
4 Kyren Williams 2 2023 2024
5 Adrian Peterson 2 2007 2009
6 LaDainian Tomlinson 2 2002 2003
7 Clinton Portis 2 2002 2003
8 Shaun Alexander 2 2001 2002
9 Edgerrin James 2 1999 2000
10 Fred Taylor 2 1998 2000
11 Terrell Davis 2 1996 1997
12 Curtis Martin 2 1995 1996
13 Emmitt Smith 2 1991 1992
14 Billy Sims 2 1980 1981
15 Walter Payton 2 1976 1977
16 Jim Brown 2 1958 1959
Provided by Stathead.com: Found with Stathead. See Full Results.
Generated 12/11/2024.

Williams doesn’t always get praise as one of the top running backs in the league but there’s no denying how productive he’s been in his first three years with the Rams. And if not for injuries in his rookie season, he’d have even better numbers than he already does.

Steelers special team ace nominated for Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award

The Steelers have nominated Miles Killebrew for the 11th annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, honoring his integrity and dedication.

The NFL announced Monday morning that all 32 teams have nominated one player for the 11th annual Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. Recipients of this prestigious honor must demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship both on and off the field. For their nomination, the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected special teams captain Miles Killebrew.

Previous winners of the award, which highlights outstanding sportsmanship, include legends such as LB Bobby Wagner, DT Calais Campbell, RB Adrian Peterson, QB Drew Brees, and WR Larry Fitzgerald, to name just a few.

For Killebrew, winning an award associated with these all-time great leaders of sportsmanship in the NFL would undoubtedly be a significant honor. His unwavering dedication to the game he loves may very well bring him one step closer to making this goal a reality.

Killebrew’s consistent display of integrity, respect, resilience, and dedication to the Pittsburgh Steelers exemplify the outstanding qualities of an Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award winner.

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Adrian Peterson makes ESPN’s list of best NFL players since 2000

Adrian Peterson’s career at Oklahoma led to a phenomenal run in the NFL.

Former Oklahoma Sooners running back [autotag]Adrian Peterson[/autotag] had one of the best careers at his position in college football history. He followed up a magnificent three-year run in Norman with an exciting and dominating career in the NFL, mostly with the Minnesota Vikings.

Peterson was named to ESPN’s list of the best NFL players of the 21st century so far, ranking No. 18. Here’s what ESPN staff writer Kevin Seifert had to say about Peterson’s inclusion:

On Dec. 24, 2011, Peterson tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee. On Sept. 9, 2012 — 260 days later — he was back in the Vikings’ starting lineup and on his way to one of the best seasons by a running back in NFL history,” Seifert said. “The season began modestly, with one 100-yard performance over the first six games. He then launched on a run of eight consecutive 100-yard games, two of which eclipsed 200 yards, en route to a 2,097-yard campaign. Only Eric Dickerson’s 2,105-yard output in 1984 exceeds that total. In addition to that statistical history, Peterson set a new template for recovering from a major knee injury. – Seifert, ESPN

Peterson’s accomplishments in the NFL are among the best ever at the running back position. He was the 2012 NFL MVP, the last non-quarterback to win the award. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a four-time first-team All-Pro, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame All-2010s Team, and the 2007 Offensive Rookie of the Year.

“All Day” went down as one of the best players of the [autotag]Bob Stoops[/autotag] era at Oklahoma. In three seasons, he rushed for 4,041 yards and 41 touchdowns, doing all of that in just 31 career games. He was the [autotag]Heisman Trophy[/autotag] runner-up as a true freshman in 2004, helping Oklahoma return to the BCS National Championship Game. He was also named a unanimous All-American that season,

Peterson’s unique blend of size, power, agility and speed made him the focal point of the offense each of the next two seasons, and No. 28 was worth the price of admission all on his own. The Palestine, Texas native was a massive recruiting win for Stoops and the Sooners as a five-star prospect and the top running back in the country. The three-time all-conference player was selected seventh overall by the Vikings in the 2007 NFL Draft.

Peterson’s NFL career lasted from 2007 to 2021 and he was also named one of ESPN’s Top 25 fantasy football players since 2000, ranking No. 14 on that list. He was the only Oklahoma player to make either list.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Aaron on X @AaronGelvin.

Christian McCaffrey ended the 11-year Madden cover drought for running backs and joined these 6 RBs

Christian McCaffrey joined a very exclusive club by getting picked for the Madden cover.

As is tradition, getting picked for the annual Madden cover is the best sign an NFL player has become mainstream. That should make San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey’s selection for Madden 25 not the least bit surprising.

What is surprising is that McCaffrey’s running back position hasn’t been featured on the famed video game cover in a long time. In fact, with McCaffrey’s selection, he is the first tailback to be the official Madden athlete since Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders’ joint selection for Madden NFL 25 in 2014. That is likely a statement on how runners have been de-emphasized in the NFL over the last decade, making McCaffrey’s cover boy look all the more impressive.

In other words, running backs are making their comeback! (Maybe.)

With McCaffrey officially representing Madden now, here are the six other running backs to appear on the worldwide cover in the game’s illustrious, extended history.

1. Madden 2001 — Eddie George, Tennessee Titans

The first Madden on the PlayStation 2 featured George, a four-time Pro Bowler and former First-Team All-Pro for the Tennessee Titans.

2. Madden 2003 — Marshall Faulk, St Louis. Rams

Near the end of “The Greatest Show on Turf” offense in St. Louis, the Rams finally had their rightful poster boy in do-it-all running back Marshall Faulk.

3. Madden 2007 — Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks

The 2005 MVP finally got his virtual flowers with a Madden cover later that summer.

4. Madden 12 — Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns

At the height of his bruising phenomenon in Cleveland, Hillis won a fan vote to notch this early 2010s cover.

5. Madden NFL 25 — Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (Xbox One and PlayStation 4)

In celebration of Madden’s 25th anniversary, the decorated Peterson debuted on the then-next-gen cover.

6. Madden NFL 2000/25 — Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3)

Sanders is the rare NFL star to have technically been featured on two Madden covers. He was in the background of Madden 2000 and then won a fan vote for the 25th-anniversary edition on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions.

Two Vikings legends in top 10 of career touchdowns since 2000

Going back to the year 2000, there are two former Minnesota Vikings that made the list for the most career touchdowns.

Minnesota has had plenty of legends who wear purple and gold on Sundays. But going back to 2000, there are two Vikings players who really stand out. CBS Sports came out with a list dating back to 2000 of which players scored the most touchdowns.

Wide receiver Randy Moss is No. 2 on the list behind LaDanian Tomlinson with 128 touchdowns. Right behind Moss, running back Adrian Peterson slots in with 126 touchdowns. These two Vikings’ legends scored many times for the Minnesota Vikings. Of course, Moss had a stint with the New England Patriots — but we don’t need to go there.

A player like Justin Jefferson could realistically crack this list. He is sitting at 31 touchdowns in his four-year career. Barring injuries, Jefferson has the best shot of any current Minnesota Viking to be seen on this list down the road.

He also has a shot to be considered a franchise legend if he can stay in the Twin Cities for an extended amount of time, perhaps an extension is in order?

Justin Jefferson, Adrian Peterson show up to Timberwolves playoff game

Adrian Peterson and Justin Jefferson showed up to support the Timberwolves as they kickoff their quest for a NBA champiosnhip.

The state of Minnesota sports fandom is always a cross between euphoria and comatose. Depending on the time of year, what team is causing it? Right now, despite the NFL draft being right around the corner, basketball is king.

The other sports tend to show up whenever the basketball team is on a run. On Saturday, the Timberwolves took the court as the number one seed in the Western Conference, and two Vikings showed up.

One legend to attend is Adrian Peterson, and another future legend is Justin Jefferson.

The Target Center was ready for a sellout crowd, shirts lined the seats, and the legends showed up. Justin Jefferson making a public appearance despite not showing up to team activities could be seen as a move with an anterior motive, or perhaps it means they are close to a deal.

Only time will tell, for now, enjoy the Timberwolves game if you are Jefferson before the chaos of draft week starts unfolding.

25 SKOL’s of Christmas: Adrian Peterson gets 2,097 vs. Packers

That week 17 game against Green Bay is one of the best in team history

Welcome to the 25 SKOL’s of Christmas!

In a similar vein to how Freeform has done the 25 days of Christmas, we will look back at different moments in Vikings history to bring a little extra joy to you this holiday season.

It’s that simple. The holidays can be a trying time for some people and we want to put a smile on people’s faces by reminiscing about some truly joyous times in Vikings’ history.

On the twenty-fourth SKOL of Christmas, the Vikings gave to me: Adrian Peterson nearly sets the NFL rushing record.

It isn’t often that you see a running back challenge for the rushing title but that’s exactly what Peterson did in the 2012 season.

On Christmas Eve in 2011, Peterson suffered a brutal injury as he tore his ACL and MCL when playing Washington. It wasn’t known whether he would be ready for week one in 2012 or ever be the same. Well, Peterson proved that he was a medical marvel.

It didn’t take Peterson long to make an impact on the game and he entered the last game of the season with a chance to not only break the NFL rushing record but also send the Vikings to the playoffs by beating the rival Green Bay Packers.

That week 17 matchup was one of the best games in Vikings history. They ended up winning the game 37-34 but the performance of Peterson was the stuff of legends.

In the game, Peterson rushed 34 times and gained 199 yards and a touchdown, including a run at the end of the game that had the Metrodome in a frenzy that he was about to break the record when he ran 26 yards to set up a game-winning field goal.

The next week, the Christian Ponder-less Vikings went to Lambeau and lost in the wild card round with Joe Webb at quarterback.

Peterson finished that special season with 2,097 yards and won the 2012 MVP award, the last non-quarterback to win it. It was a special game for the Vikings and solidified Peterson’s place in NFL history.

Previous SKOL’s of Christmas:

Drafting Randy Moss
Vikings 1997 Wild Card Comeback
Jarius Wright Walks Off the Jets
Jared Allen traded to Vikings
Adrian Peterson Sets Rushing Record
Brett Favre Revenge Tour
Bud Grant Rocks a Polo in Freezing Temperatures
Adrian Peterson Stiff Arms Defender to Oblivion
Anthony Carter Dominates the 1987 Playoffs
Kirk Cousins’ First Major Comeback
Randy Moss Dominates Monday Night Football
Tuesday Night Joe Webb
Randy Moss Laterals to Moe Williams
Miracle At The Met
Cris Carter catches number 1,000
Resurgence of Randall Cunningham
Sam Bradford Opens Up U.S. Bank Stadium
Teddy Bridgewater’s Triumphant Return
Randy Moss on Thanksgiving
Bernard Berrian 99 Yard Touchdown
Jeff George’s Moonshots
Vikings Complete Largest NFL Comeback
Moss Moons Lambeau Field

When they last met: Commanders and Jets

These teams last met in 2019 and it was ugly.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

NY Jets 34, Washington 17 – Week 11, November 17, 2019

Sam Darnold passed for four touchdown passes as the Jets easily defeated the Redskins 34-17 at FedEx Field.

This was one of the more embarrassing games of 2019 as the Jets actually led at one point 34-3 before two late Washington touchdowns made the final score closer than the actual game.

The game was so lopsided that the Jets actually outgained Washington 400-225 in total offensive yards. Darnold completed 19 of his 30 passing attempts for 293 yards, four touchdown passes and one interception. His day computed to a passer’s rating of 121.2.

On the other hand, Dwayne Haskins also completed 19 passes in his 35 passing attempts for 214 yards, two late touchdowns and one interception for a 79.9 passer rating.

The Jets rushing attack was led by Le’Veon Bell as he gained 59 yards in 18 carries and Bilal Powell rushed for 42 yards on 7 carries. The Washington running game was very anemic all day as Adrian Peterson could only generate 25 yards in his 9 carries, and likewise, Derrius Guice only accumulated 24 yards in his 7 carries.

Trailing 34-3 in the final quarter, Haskins connected with Guice on a 45-yard touchdown pass. Then, with only 1:11 remaining, Haskins found tight end Jeremy Sprinkle for a one-yard touchdown to conclude the scoring.