Adrian Peterson shatters college rushing records and dominates the gridiron as one of Georgia Southern’s most iconic running backs.
Football Bio
July 1, 1979 – Gainesville, Florida – Adrian Peterson, the fine Georgia Southern running back of 1998 to 2001, was born.
The FootballFoundation.org says Adrian is one of the most decorated players in college football history.
Adrian Peterson of George Southern remains the all-time leading rusher in Division I (FBS and FCS) history with 6,559 yards.
In 1998, Peterson set the NCAA record for most rushing yards by a freshman with 1,932, and he finished his career as Division I’s all-time leader in rushing touchdowns, a record that lasted until 2015.
The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Adrian Peterson in their legendary museum in 2017.
Adrian was picked in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Peterson then played for the franchise from 2002 to 09 and participated in Super Bowl XLI with the team.
Adrian Peterson leaves an unforgettable mark on football history through his extraordinary rushing abilities and relentless drive. He cements his legacy not only by holding numerous NCAA records but also by inspiring future generations of athletes at Georgia Southern and beyond.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2017.
- Walter Payton Award Winner: 1999 (First sophomore to win the award).
- 2× NCAA Division I-AA National Champion: 1999, 2000.
- 4× First-Team All-American: 1998-2001.
- NCAA Division I All-Time Leading Rusher: 6,559 regular-season yards.
- Freshman Rushing Record: 1,932 rushing yards in 1998.
- Georgia Southern Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2012.
- Southern Conference Hall of Fame: Inaugural class inductee in 2009.
- Retired Number: Georgia Southern retired his No. 3 jersey.
- NFL Career: Played eight seasons with the Chicago Bears and participated in Super Bowl XLI.