AP shook his head in disbelief, wiping a hand across his face and eyes that glistened with emotion.
“Adrian, I’ve got something to say here, buddy. Now, we’re both from Texas, and we grew up with Friday night lights, thinking that was the biggest moment,” Randle told Peterson. “Then, we get in the National Football League, and we come here to the Minnesota Vikings and we’re thinking, ‘Man, ain’t nothing more special than that.’
“But there is,” Randle continued. “Having your name up there in the bright lights of U.S. Bank Stadium forever. Something you put hard work and dedication into, and it turns into being in the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor, brother. That is special.”
Visibly moved, Peterson continued to soak in the moment.
“That got me, man. This is — wow. This is amazing,” he said. “Wow. I’m speechless.”
The surprises weren’t quite wrapped up.
At that moment, Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell and Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski stepped out from behind a wall to congratulate Peterson.
“Man, y’all got me,” Peterson laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. “This is crazy.”
Though Vikings Owner/President Mark Wilf and Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf weren’t in-person for the surprise invitation, they each have extended heartfelt congratulations to one of the franchise’s most talented players.
“From the moment we selected Adrian in the 2007 NFL Draft, he proved to be a transformational player for the Minnesota Vikings,” Mark Wilf said. “His historic 2012 MVP season will be rightfully remembered by fans, but Adrian’s consistent production over 10 seasons in Minnesota is what firmly established him as an all-time Viking and one of the greatest to ever play this game. It will be a privilege to welcome Adrian into the Vikings Ring of Honor this year, and we know it’s a matter of time before we are also celebrating his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Zygi Wilf noted Peterson’s Vikings career “set a standard that few running backs in NFL history have matched.”
“From breaking the single-game rushing record as a rookie to his becoming one of just seven players to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season, Adrian was an electric player who captivated fans when the ball was in his hands,” he said. “His infectious energy and his appreciation for Vikings fans and the team’s role within the community made him even more memorable. Adrian certainly belongs in both the Vikings Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
An overcome Peterson collected his thoughts before sitting down for a “real” interview in which he reflected on joining the Vikings Ring of Honor.
“I feel blessed [that my name will] go up there with the greatest of greats to play in this organization. It’s just a blessing — a constant reminder for me of how God is and how hard work pays off,” he said. “Not only just hard work, but how you treat people, how you deal with people, the relationships that you build. That all comes into play when you’re honored to this magnitude. It feels amazing.
“It took everything in me to hold the tears back,” Peterson added, leaning in his chair. “I’m not really an emotional guy, but this is awesome. It’s just awesome.”
