Fansided

Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 18: Adrian Peterson
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 18: Adrian Peterson /

8. Adrian Peterson

From year one, Peterson was the best running back in football. He was named a Pro Bowler as a rookie, rushing for over 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns with the Vikings.

He broke the single-game rushing record against the Chargers that season, rushing for 296 yards. In 2008, Peterson was named First-Team All-Pro for the first time. He led the NFL in rushing yards with 1,760 to go along with 10 touchdowns. He repeated as an All-Pro in 2009, leading the NFL with 18 touchdowns on the ground.

2012 was Peterson’s masterpiece. Coming off a year in which he suffered a season-ending leg injury, Peterson ran for 2,097 yards, the second most in NFL history. He was named NFL MVP, as well as the Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.

He led the NFL in rushing one more time with the Vikings in 2015, accumulating 1,485 yards on the ground. He also led the league with 11 rushing touchdowns.

Peterson’s reign in Minnesota is one of the best ever for a running back. While his best years are behind him, there were few like him in the history of the NFL when he was at the top of his game. He will easily be a first ballot Hall of Famer when his time comes.

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