Adrian Peterson and Najee Harris are on reverse ends of the spectrum. Peterson, 36, is on the tail finish of a profession that can sooner or later be immortalized within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame. Harris, who not too long ago labored out with Peterson, is simply beginning a professional profession that he’s absolutely hoping can mimic the one Peterson has loved since breaking into the league in 2007. 

One factor neither participant is aware of, nonetheless, is what crew will make use of them in 2021. Harris will undoubtedly discover his subsequent dwelling throughout the 2021 NFL Draft. And whereas Peterson continues to await his subsequent alternative, he’s hoping to affix a crew that has a professional shot at successful Tremendous Bowl LVI. 

“I am on the lookout for a contender. I am on the lookout for a crew that is constructed to go and chase a championship,” Peterson not too long ago advised SiriusXM NFL Radio. “That is my final purpose, and I really feel like I can actually assist to contribute in carrying out that. A crew with a superb quarterback, a superb protection and a few playmakers on the offensive facet of the ball. For me to have the ability to get into that kind of state of affairs can be good.”

A Tremendous Bowl title is the one factor lacking from an in any other case glittering profession. A seven-time Professional Bowler, four-time All-Professional, three-time league dashing champion and the league’s MVP in 2012, Peterson was additionally named to the NFL‘s All-2010s Groups final offseason. The fifth main rusher in league historical past, Peterson’s 2,097 dashing yards in 2012 persists because the second-highest single-season whole in NFL historical past. 

The closest Peterson got here to Tremendous Bowl glory was in 2009. After a 12-4 common season, Peterson, quarterback Brett Favre and the remainder of the Vikings confronted the Saints in one of the thrilling convention title video games in current reminiscence. However regardless of Peterson’s three dashing touchdowns, Minnesota fell in additional time to the eventual Tremendous Bowl champions. 

Whereas he will not be on the peak of his powers, Peterson remains to be an efficient participant. A 1,000-yard rusher in Washington in 2018, Peterson rushed for 604 yards and 7 touchdowns on 156 carries throughout the 2020 season, his lone season with the Lions. He has rushed for 19 touchdowns whereas averaging 4.1 yards per carry over the previous three seasons. Peterson’s current numbers are extra spectacular contemplating the truth that his groups received a mean of 5 video games per season over that span. 

Primarily based on his need to play for a contender, Peterson might presumably discovering himself enjoying someplace contained in the AFC North. Baltimore might use a veteran again to enrich J.Ok. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. The Browns might additionally use a confirmed participant who would not thoughts enjoying behind Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Pittsburgh is in want of reinforcements after parting methods with James Conner, who has since signed a one-year cope with the Cardinals. And whereas they completed on the skin of the playoff image in 2020, an alternative choice for Peterson could possibly be his unique crew, the Vikings, who might use one other again to assist spell starter Dalvin Cook dinner. 

Alongside together with his need to win a title, Peterson stated his “love of the sport” is the primary motive why he has continued his NFL journey. 

“That is actually the primary factor that is driving me, on prime of desirous to win a championship,” Peterson stated. “What number of 36-year-old guys can say they play within the NFL and are capable of do it at a excessive stage? That is my complete mindset. I wish to look again and say, ‘You realize what, not solely did I play as a result of I really like the sport I used to be chasing a championship, however I used to be capable of do it. I used to be capable of go on the market and bodily carry out at a excessive stage.’ After I’m carried out, I will be capable of look again and say I put my finest foot ahead and ended by myself phrases.”