If Frank Gore can do it, why not Adrian Peterson? The fifth leading rusher of all time plans to return for a 15th season, but finally wants to get a shot at a Super Bowl ring. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team that Peterson focuses on, fitting because they are the defending Super Bowl champions and get a chance to repeat it with Tom Brady as their quarterback.
“That would certainly be something I’m interested in, playing with Tom Brady. That’s tempting in itself,” Peterson told TMZ Sports this week. “If they want me to be part of it, I will definitely be part of it. Because I’m absolutely trying to add a trophy to my resume.”
Peterson, who texted Brady during Super Bowl week, is inspired by Brady playing high-level at the age of 43. Playing so well in his 40s inspires Peterson to keep going, especially since his ability to score touchdowns hasn’t diminished. Peterson’s 19 touchdowns in the past three seasons are more than Saquon Barkley and Joe Mixon.
He has a relationship with the Buccaneers outside of Brady, as head coach Bruce Arians left for Peterson in the mid-2017 season.
“When you see those other guys in their 40s playing – even though it’s a different position – that’s motivation to me,” said Peterson. “That tells me I’m on the right track.”
Peterson rushed to 604 yards on 156 carries and seven touchdowns in 16 games for the Detroit Lions at the age of 35. The veteran running back was released by the Washington Football Team days before the 2020 season, but still managed to start 10 games for Detroit.
Peterson has 14,820 rushing yards for his career, just 400 yards from the passing of Barry Sanders for fourth place on the all-time list. His 118 hasty touchdowns are in fourth place on the all-time list, just six behind Marcus Allen for third (123).
There are still individual milestones to be achieved for Peterson, but the Super Bowl ring is what he craves. If Brady Peterson endorses joining Tampa Bay, chances are he will play for the Buccaneers in 2021.