Adrian Peterson’s year-long absence could end up being a blessing if he somehow ends up being the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, or if he can shatter the single season rushing record as well.
While discussing his comeback season during Adrian Peterson Day in his hometown, the All-Pro said he wants to play seven or eight more years, which would give him a chance to break Smith’s all-time mark of 18,355 yards.
Peterson now sits at 10,190 yards.
“I don’t think it’s impossible,” Peterson said, via Chris Thomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “A lot of things are still to come. … I look at things that anything is possible. He played 15 years. I’m going into year nine but I’ve only got eight on the body. That’s a long-term goal [to break the record]. . . .
“I think I can play [past Smith’s retirement age of 35]. I’m blessed with tremendous talent and recovery and everything, so I feel like I’ll be able to play as long as I want. … I want to play seven more [years]. Eight. I really feel that I can be 38 out there and still be the best running back in the NFL.”
Dickerson’s mark is one Peterson can see and taste — as he came up just short of 2,105, with 2,097 in 2012. For what it’s worth, Peterson’s wife, Ashley, is forecasting a 2,200 yard rushing season.
