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Former NFL star running back Adrian Peterson believes he could’ve jumped straight to the pros after his standout freshman year at Oklahoma.
Peterson shared his thoughts during a recent appearance on the podcast “RG3 and The Ones,” hosted by Robert Griffin III.
Back in 2004, as a freshman, Peterson made a name for himself by rushing for an impressive 1,925 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns. He also helped his team achieve a perfect 12-0 to start that season. However, he continued his college career for two more years before eventually entering the NFL in 2007, when he was selected 7th overall by the Minnesota Vikings.
Peterson was asked directly on the podcast if he believed he could have made the leap to the NFL just after his freshman season and he not only said: “Without a doubt.” He went on to say he believes he could’ve skipped college and made it from high school.
“I’ll say this, who had a better season as a running back than I did, my freshman year? From sophomore, to juniors, or seniors? I definitely felt like I could’ve left after my freshman year. I feel like I could’ve gone pro out of high school.”
NFL straight out of high school is crazy
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Peterson playing career with the Oklahoma Sooners ended after suffered a painful broken collarbone injury that prematurely ended his 2006 season. That injury was a financial risk that he could’ve avoided if he was already in pros and secured his first professional contract.
During his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, Peterson set numerous NFl records. Including the single-game rushing record, achieved during his rookie season with 296 rushing yards against the Chargers.
In 2012, he earned MVP honors after a season with over 2,000 rushing yards. Peterson’s accolades also include Offensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, 7-time All-Pro selection, 7-time Pro-Bowler, and a spot on the NFL’s 2010 All-Decade team.
Peterson has recently has taken a different stage, as he’s joined the cast of “Dancing with the Stars.”