Quick! We need more buildup to the NFL Draft! The top prospects do not have enough pressure on them. Will they bust or become perennial Pro Bowlers? Matt Sussman and Tuffy examine both sides of each coin, writing articles from the year 2011 "looking back" on the top 2007 draft picks. Just another reason to own a flux capacitor.
Adrian Peterson The Bust
MINNEAPOLIS — When Adrian Peterson fell all the way to the seventh pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, Vikings fans across the state felt they had stolen the best running back in the draft. Rob Brzezinski, Vikings general manager at the time, agreed. "We got away with one today," Brzezinski smirked. Considering the recent history of poor and even forgetful draft selections over the previous few seasons, it certainly seemed the Vikings had indeed pulled Peterson out from under the other franchises.
When no other owners sought prosecution of Zygi Wilf for violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 2314 (transportation of stolen goods over state lines), perhaps someone should have been suspicious. However, Peterson delivered the goods himself for the 2007 season. He showed up in the best health of his career and strapped the team on his back, leading them to a 10-6 record with the same brute force with which he slammed through defensive lines.
After 401 carries, 1620 yards, and a respectable second-round playoff exit, the 2008 season fell into the Super Bowl or Bust category. When the Vikings went 6-10 and Peterson tried to shake off nagging injuries to his shoulder and hamstrings all season, the franchise fretted but could do nothing but reload and hope Peterson could regain the form he showed in his rookie campaign.
Peterson struggled off the field as well. He became moody and withdrawn, even from teammates and especially from the media. A DUI arrest in Eden Prairie, MN, in February 2009 brought Peterson's maturity and devotion into question when his love for football was cited as his strongest point merely two years previous.
Article comments
1 - david c.
I think its funny that you have a sentence in the comments section that says personal attacks are not allowed yet that is what this whole story is about. You attack the character of the kid and predict a DUI and even going so far to pick the town that it will happen in? Your glass is beyond half empty. You are crying over a half empty glass of milk before it is even spilt. I feel sorry for the kid if he is drafted by Minnesota and has to hear about this crap before he even shows up.
2 - Christopher Rose
david - the no personal attacks sentence refers to other commenters not legitimate criticism of public figures...
3 - david c.
Predicting a DUI is legitimate criticism? Give me a break. Predicting he will get injured again? Ok I can buy that.
4 - Tuffy
It's a fair cop, David C. This series is intended to explore how things can go very, very well and very, very badly. When a man begins to feel his fragility and his childhood dream breaking down with his body, how does he handle that incredible stress? In other words, why not him? In my other bust piece, a grown man screams expletives at a four-year-old's father in her presence. Again, how does the stress release?
Also, you'll see we do create pieces that are more fan-friendly to go with these 'bust' pieces that describe wild success that is just as likely but more believable because it matches the optimism the draft represents.
5 - Pamela Mensa
That was an insanely stupid article based on NOTHING. DUH!
6 - david c.
I hope he disaapoints you and has a great career you ingrate.
7 - david c.
spend you time writing fiction novels not tearing down individuals for your own pleasure. You could focus you imagination in a lot better ways than predicting things like this for a kid.
8 - her
are you talking about A.Peterson from Palestine, TX? AND---look at the yrs. listed here,2008 & 2009...2007 isn't even over yet. Get a life.
9 - alessandro
Hey Suss got off easy on the comments section of his article.
I think the comments here missed the point of the exercise.
10 - pst78
This was great piece of future journalism, obviously the comments are from people with zero imagination and easily forget all the sad stories sports has to offer. I see the point of your article as RB are not given as much support as say QBs and the world is on their shoulders, when the "tires" come off teams just dump these guys. Or the AZ Cardinals sign them! In any case, I think he is similar to Larry Johnson, RB for KC. He will be as great as his offensive line will allow, but as they crumble he won't have a chance and injury is sure to follow.