Peterson gives historic uniform to HOF

Nov. 15, 2007




Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson donated the jersey and pants he wore during Week 9 when he set the single-game rushing record to the Hall of Fame today.

Peterson wore the jersey and pants on November 4 as he rushed for an NFL record 296 yards during the Vikings’ 35-17 win over the San Diego Chargers. Peterson handed the memorabilia to Hall of Fame VP Joe Horrigan during a press conference held this afternoon at the Vikings’ Winter Park headquarters in Eden Prairie, MN.

“It’s a blessing; that is how I look at it. It’s a great honor to have my jersey put in the Hall of Fame,” commented Peterson after handing his jersey to Horrigan. “It’s crazy when I think about it being my rookie year and having something to put in the Hall of Fame where some of the greatest players are mentioned.”

The rookie runner’s record performance, the second 200-yard game of his young career, broke the single-game rushing record by one yard. The previous mark was held by Jamal Lewis who rushed for 295 yards as a member of the Baltimore Ravens in 2003.

“This is really, really quite an accomplishment as the people here in Minnesota obviously appreciate,” noted Horrigan. “But the rest of the pro football world also understands that a record the magnitude of what Adrian did on that day is really amazing. And, you think about the fact that he is a young rookie and what that must mean for the future for where he will be in years to come.”

“You know, just look for the future and expect bigger things to come and envision maybe one day, God’s will, that I will be in the Hall of Fame itself.” – Adrian Peterson answering a question from the media about what he wants people to think when they see his uniform on display in Canton.

Peterson, who rushed for 253 of 296 yards in the second half against the Chargers, continues to chase Eric Dickerson’s rookie record of 1,808 rushing yards set in 1983. Through the first 10 weeks of the season, Peterson has gained 1,081 yards and scored 8 TDs. He’s also has 15 catches for 220 yards including a 60-yard TD reception in his rookie debut.

Each year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame adds many significant artifacts to its collection. Peterson’s jersey and pants are some of the items that have found a home in Canton this season. Other mementos donated to the Hall of Fame during the 2007 NFL Season include the football kicked by Tennessee Titans’ Rob Bironas when he nailed his record 8th field goal in one game on October 21; the ball used for the kickoff of the historic New York Giants-Miami Dolphins game in London; the jersey, shoes, and gloves worn by Tony Gonzalez when he established a new mark for career TDs by a tight end; and the jersey, shoes, gloves, and ball used by Ellis Hobbs when he returned a kickoff 108 yards during the season’s Kickoff Weekend.

Peterson’s jersey and pants are on display in an exhibit devoted to Rookie Records inside the Pro Football Today exhibition area. 

 Related Links:
Peterson rewrites history
 Vikings.com: Peterson donates uniform to Hall of Fame
Rookie Sensation – Dickerson’s 1983 season

Vikings artifacts numerous in Hall’s collection
The Hall of Fame is home to the world’s largest collection of pro football memorabilia.  Included in the collection are many pieces related to the history of the Minnesota Vikings.  Here is a sampling of some Vikings memorabilia in Canton.

Game-worn jersey by quarterback Joe Kapp during the 1969 season
Jim Marshall’s jersey from the day he set the NFL record by playing in his 236th consecutive game
The jersey by Hall of Famer Paul Krause who set the career interception record in 1979.
The jersey, shoes, helmet (see photo to left), football worn by Cris Carter in 1994 when he set the then-record for receptions in a season (122) - [Details]
A helmet worn by Mick Tingelhoff during his career with the Vikings
The jersey and shoe worn by kicker Gary Anderson on October 22, 2000 when he broke George Blanda’s long-standing record for career points
The football thrown by quarterback Fran Tarkenton when he threw his record-breaking (since broken) 291st career touchdown on December 20, 1975
Coach Bud Grant’s head set from his final game as an NFL coach

 

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