AD compared to other OU RBs in the NFL

[stoopified]

Greg Pruitt-
Rushing: 1195c-5672 yds-27 TDs/ Recieving:326r-3069yds-18 TDs

Billy Sims-
Rushing: 1131c-5106 yds-42 TDs/ Recieving:186r- 2072 yds-5 TDs

Joe Washington-
Rushing: 1195c-4839 yds-12 TDs/ Recieving: 395r-3413 yds-18 TDs

Adrian Petersen-
Rushing: 915c-4484yds- 40 TDs /Recieving: 83r-829yds-1 TD

It seems obvious that IF AD stays healthy he will be the all-time Sooner rusher in the NFLby the end of next season.I say if because in his first 2 and 1/2 seasons Billy was at the same level before the strike and injuries sidelined him.

The other thing that I noticed is that the other three backs were very active as pass catchers.I find that ironic because they were all wishbone backs who were never really passcatchers at OU.AD on the other hand played in a passing offense his entire college career. It will take a little longer for AD to pass them in total offense because AD is not featured as a reciever.

Ihope AD stays healthy and goes on to a Hall of Fame career but with Sims,Washington,Pruit, it didn't happen.Their injury plagued careers as well as that of Steve Owens is why I am so cautious about proclaiming AD as the best

[picasso]

They still love Pruitt in Cleveland. I like reading the comments on youtube.

[Gresho Murford]

is that rushing TD stat correct for Sims? Crazy

[Mississippi Sooner]

If you wanna get technical about it, I guess the most successful Sooner running back in the NFL was Tommy McDonald. Of course, he played pretty much exclusively at wide receiver once he became a pro. Again, kinda peculiar since he came from an almost exclusive run oriented program.

[stoopified]

is that rushing TD stat correct for Sims? CrazyActually I apparently Mistyped.When I read your post I was thinking I know Billy scored 42 rushingTDs,then I cheked my original post and saw 63.I have no idea how I messed it up.I checked the website and saw the number 63 in the next column over from TDs,apparently that is where the 63 came from.Good catch.Still 42 is pretty darn good considering Billy only played 60 games.

[badger]

They still love Pruitt in Cleveland. I like reading the comments on youtube.

When I was putting together a Pruitt tribute for my father-in-law, I read an old story about how he wouldn't cheer for Baltimore over Cleveland despite that's where Pruitt Jr. was playing. It got him even more Browns' kudos than he already had.

Oh, and NP says it all the time to me, so you should hear it at least once too: We were extremely lucky fans here at Oklahoma to be able to watch AD here, even if just for a few years.

[bluedogok]

When you think about it, the Wishbone was pretty similar to the modern spread offense, you just "passed" the ball behind you on the edges and most of the time behind the line of scrimmage, with the spread yuo dump it off 5 yds past the line of scrimmage and get your yards after the catch. Thw option pitch on the edge is not much different than a swing pass in most respects except the QB hasn't run down the line to read the DE. Many of those fumbles in the wishbone days would be incomplete passes in the spread. Most of those halfbacks had pretty good hands to catch the pitches the way they did and turn up field, there were a lot less handoff back the to the halfback than there is in the tailback oriented game that it is now.

[Sooner04]

I never realized how good of a pro back Sims was until I looked it up a couple of years ago. Knee surgeries must've been barbaric acts back then.

And they do love Greg Pruitt up in Cleveland. That is fo sho.

[Mississippi Sooner]

My favorite Billy Sims moment (when he was with the Lions, that is).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0O7973Ew8A

[stoopified]

When you think about it, the Wishbone was pretty similar to the modern spread offense, you just "passed" the ball behind you on the edges and most of the time behind the line of scrimmage, with the spread yuo dump it off 5 yds past the line of scrimmage and get your yards after the catch. Thw option pitch on the edge is not much different than a swing pass in most respects except the QB hasn't run down the line to read the DE. Many of those fumbles in the wishbone days would be incomplete passes in the spread. Most of those halfbacks had pretty good hands to catch the pitches the way they did and turn up field, there were a lot less handoff back the to the halfback than there is in the tailback oriented game that it is now.Your comments comparing the Spread to the Bone got me to thinking,how good could Pruitt,Washington and Sims have been in the Spread?I think for Billy he would have been better out of the Pistol instead of the Shotgun but they could all run and catch.

[badger]

There is a big picture of an awesome running back wearing the No. 20 Detroit Lions jersey at Billy Sims BBQ here in Tulsa.

I had an uber blond moment when I said to NP "Barry Sanders?"

http://images.activefan.com/history/FDETL-1980.jpg

I'm sure I've had many blond moments, but that one was probably the worst to-date. :O

[Sooner04]

One thing I absolutely HATE about the spread is how the ball is given to the RBs with their momentum going east and west. The 'bone got the ball to Pruitt and Sims at angles where they were weren't running true north and south, but totally downhill. Hit the gap, make their cut and goodbye.

Guys almost have to come to a halt to make their move then re-accelerate in the spread. Barf.

There are some clips of Pruitt on youtube where you'd swear he's the fastest HB to ever lace them up at OU. I had an old highlight tape from '71 where he juked the bejesus out of some white DB from Texas. They found that dude's jock when they pulled up the turf at the Cotton Bowl for the World Cup a few years back.

[JohnnyMack]

When you think about it, the Wishbone was pretty similar to the modern spread offense, you just "passed" the ball behind you on the edges and most of the time behind the line of scrimmage, with the spread yuo dump it off 5 yds past the line of scrimmage and get your yards after the catch. Thw option pitch on the edge is not much different than a swing pass in most respects except the QB hasn't run down the line to read the DE. Many of those fumbles in the wishbone days would be incomplete passes in the spread. Most of those halfbacks had pretty good hands to catch the pitches the way they did and turn up field, there were a lot less handoff back the to the halfback than there is in the tailback oriented game that it is now.

Hell Florida is running an offense that's 50 years old.

[KantoSooner]

Keep in mind that Billy played with a team that, other than him, consisted of .... as the Mexicans might say, "nada". He had no blocking. On a decent team he would have easily had another 1,000 yards and maybe much, much more....and a much longer career. He was used and abused worse than Houston destroyed Earl Campbell.

[BoulderSooner79]

I'd like to see the Vikes throw more to AD and get him the ball in open space. And he is consistently replaced on 3rd downs which takes away some of his big play opportunities. It's hard to argue with the current success, but the Vikes are use AD in a very predictable manner and they will need to be more creative with him for road games and the playoffs, IMO. Oops - off topic. I meant to say his stats will be more balanced compared to past OU backs once the Vikes do as I say :)

[bluedogok]

Hell Florida is running an offense that's 50 years old.
Pretty much....there really isn't anything that "new" in football, just variations of the same age old themes.

My favorite was always Little Joe
kBkpfWrGATg

[josh09]

*Peterson

[RedstickSooner]

Greg Pruitt-
Rushing: 1195c-5672 yds-27 TDs/ Recieving:326r-3069yds-18 TDs

Billy Sims-
Rushing: 1131c-5106 yds-42 TDs/ Recieving:186r- 2072 yds-5 TDs

Joe Washington-
Rushing: 1195c-4839 yds-12 TDs/ Recieving: 395r-3413 yds-18 TDs

Adrian Petersen-
Rushing: 700c-3582yds- 29 TDs/Recieving: 50r-455 yds-1 TD

It seems obvious that IF AD stays healthy he will be the all-time Sooner rusher in the NFLby the end of next season.I say if because in his first 2 and 1/2 seasons Billy was at the same level before the strike and injuries sidelined him.

The other thing that I noticed is that the other three backs were very active as pass catchers.I find that ironic because they were all wishbone backs who were never really passcatchers at OU.AD on the other hand played in a passing offense his entire college career. It will take a little longer for AD to pass them in total offense because AD is not featured as a reciever.

Ihope AD stays healthy and goes on to a Hall of Fame career but with Sims,Washington,Pruit, it didn't happen.Their injury plagued careers as well as that of Steve Owens is why I am so cautious about proclaiming AD as the best

Weird thing to me in looking at these numbers is that AD actually has *fewer* catches compared to carries than these old-school backs.

I think of the RB catching passes out of the backfield as being a modern wrinkle, and clearly it has long been a big statistical part of the NFL. Even if I never noticed it when I watched football as a kid. Maybe the analysts just didn't talk about it as much? Or maybe these are lots of little shuttle passes and the like?

[BoulderSooner79]

The outlet pass to an RB in the flat has been an NFL staple forever. It's an exception that the Vikes use AD this way so sparingly.

[stoopified]

Pretty much....there really isn't anything that "new" in football, just variations of the same age old themes.

My favorite was always Little Joe
kBkpfWrGATgI love that so much I'm going to have to double-spek ya.

[AlbqSooner]

I take nothing away from Barrry Sanders, other than his choice of colleges, but every move I saw him make I had previously seen from Little Joe.

Washington was the most exciting back (not sayin the best) I ever saw play in college.

[bluedogok]

I still remember the game where he pretty much won the game for the Colts against New England on MNF one time.

Here is a Wiki description of that game

* September 18, 1978:

On Monday Night Football, the Colts stormed to a 34-27 win in a rain-soaked Schaefer Stadium behind the one-man scoring stampede of Joe Washington. Washington threw a 54-yard score to Roger Carr, then caught a 23-yarder from Bill Troup, and following a Sam Cunningham touchdown ran back the ensuing kickoff 90 yards. Washington single-handedly accounted for 20 of the Colts' 27 fourth-quarter points (Troup's 67-yard score to Carr accounting for the other seven points).

[VA Sooner]

Unbelievable running back. Can't believe we didn't win a national championship with him on the team, injury-riddled seasons and all.

[Sooner04]

The outlet pass to an RB in the flat has been an NFL staple forever. It's an exception that the Vikes use AD this way so sparingly.
They use him sparingly in that capacity because Chester Taylor is much better at it.

[rawlingsHOH]

They use him sparingly in that capacity because Chester Taylor is much better at it.
Definitely not "much".

Chester is more consistent in the blitz pick-up. A very good blocker. I'd call the hands about a push. Chester dropped a bunch of balls last year, this year he's been better. Reading the right option routes, I don't know?

The MAJOR problem with the philosophy is that the opposing defenses breath a huge sigh of relief when Peterson is on the sideline. I've listed to plenty of opponents radio broadcasts. A big, collective, thank you!

Just the threat of Peterson getting the ball opens up the offense for the other 4 guys.

Peterson needs more 3rd down snaps. Chester needs more short yardage snaps (take some beating off AD). They used to do this in 07, now Peterson is getting 95% of the 3rd/4th-and-short carries.

[BoulderSooner79]

They use him sparingly in that capacity because Chester Taylor is much better at it.

I agree that's why they do it, but I'm just saying they are too predictable. AD 1st and 2nd down, Taylor on 3rd. They are winning with good D and *gasp*, a good passing game. But the defenses are adjusting and AD isn't getting big plays any more. They'll need more from AD as the season progresses and especially in the playoffs. I don't think AD forgot how to run and he doesn't look hurt.

[rawlingsHOH]

ADs 2009 (5 games, projected thru 16)...

317 carries, 1539 yards, 4.9 avg, 22 TDs, 6 fumbles

32 catches, 198 yards, 6.2 avg, 0 TDs

[Collier11]

Pretty much....there really isn't anything that "new" in football, just variations of the same age old themes.

My favorite was always Little Joe
kBkpfWrGATg

and to this day they are still talking about RBs being too small and WRs being too slow, when are NFL gurus going to realize that a football player is a football player

[rawlingsHOH]

And regarding ball security...

Since Peterson joined the Vikings in 07, he has lost 9 fumbles. In that same period Chester has lost 6 fumbles.

Touches, since 07...
Peterson, 750
Taylor, 381

In other words, Peterson loses a fumble every 83.3 touches. Taylor, every 63.5 touches. So think of that stat the next time you hear ESPNs Cris Carter calling for Chester Taylor to replace AD.

[Collier11]

AD is right there with a lot of greats as far as fumbles go, it is going to happen

[Soonersince57]

I love that so much I'm going to have to double-spek ya.

A favorite for me too.

[Oldnslo]

There is a big picture of an awesome running back wearing the No. 20 Detroit Lions jersey at Billy Sims BBQ here in Tulsa.

I had an uber blond moment when I said to NP "Barry Sanders?"

http://images.activefan.com/history/FDETL-1980.jpg

I'm sure I've had many blond moments, but that one was probably the worst to-date. :O

Sanders went to Detroit after Billy, and also wore #20 for the Lions.

[badger]

Sanders went to Detroit after Billy, and also wore #20 for the Lions.

:mad: Yes, I know. Thank you for that information.

[Sooner04]

We're 5-0 and all you Peterson mouthbreathers are bitching about Adrian's snaps. What MY Vikings are doing is just fine. Don't change a thing!

[Collier11]

Adrian is taking the pressure off of Favre, the other D has to pick their poison and right now they are forcing them to throw

[Oldnslo]

http://cdn.bleacherreport.com/images_root/image_pictures/0653/4707/102804_feature.jpg

See? Anybody could make that mistake.

[rawlingsHOH]

We're 5-0 and all you Peterson mouthbreathers are bitching about Adrian's snaps. What MY Vikings are doing is just fine. Don't change a thing!

Your Vikings, congrats on the big acquisition from Zygi!

I guarantee you haven't watched any more Viking snaps this year than I have.

Because they are 5-0, doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. I think the offense could be move explosive with AD in on more 3rd down situations. In any situation he could be utilized as the best decoy in the league.

[Sooner04]

I guarantee you haven't watched any more Viking snaps this year than I have.

Because they are 5-0, doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. I think the offense could be move explosive with AD in on more 3rd down situations. In any situation he could be utilized as the best decoy in the league.
1. Incorrect.

2. Why use a decoy when you've got a guy who actually excels at those facets of the game? Why be more explosive when you're averaging 31 a game? He doesn't need to be on the field every snap. Chester's a good change of pace.

WE will be fine.

[stoops the eternal pimp]

i wont rain on anybody's parade in here, so whatever...

[Sooner04]

My team is 5-0. Rain on that!

[stoops the eternal pimp]

I know...it just seems people forgot this team won 10 games, their division, and made the playoffs....

maybe im too much of a favre hater to give him credit...or maybe i realize its a little over a 1/4 into the season...

[rawlingsHOH]

1. Incorrect.

2. Why use a decoy when you've got a guy who actually excels at those facets of the game? Why be more explosive when you're averaging 31 a game? He doesn't need to be on the field every snap. Chester's a good change of pace.

WE will be fine.

If you recall my previous post, I said I'd like to see Chester get more carries, especially in the short yardage situations, to take some of the pounding off Peterson.

And yes, there is definitely room for improvement. The offense has looked stagnant for stretches against Cleveland, Detroit and San Fran. With Baltimore and Pittsburgh on the horizon, they will soon be tested.

[rawlingsHOH]

My team is 5-0. Rain on that!
75-87

Sometimes it pours in Southern California.

[stoopified]

Greg Pruitt-
Rushing: 1195c-5672 yds-27 TDs/ Recieving:326r-3069yds-18 TDs

Billy Sims-
Rushing: 1131c-5106 yds-42 TDs/ Recieving:186r- 2072 yds-5 TDs

Joe Washington-
Rushing: 1195c-4839 yds-12 TDs/ Recieving: 395r-3413 yds-18 TDs

Adrian Petersen-
Rushing: 740c-3788 yds- 30 TDs/Recieving: 58r-538 yds-1 TD

It seems obvious that IF AD stays healthy he will be the all-time Sooner rusher in the NFLby the end of next season.I say if because in his first 2 and 1/2 seasons Billy was at the same level before the strike and injuries sidelined him.

The other thing that I noticed is that the other three backs were very active as pass catchers.I find that ironic because they were all wishbone backs who were never really passcatchers at OU.AD on the other hand played in a passing offense his entire college career. It will take a little longer for AD to pass them in total offense because AD is not featured as a reciever.

Ihope AD stays healthy and goes on to a Hall of Fame career but with Sims,Washington,Pruit, it didn't happen.Their injury plagued careers as well as that of Steve Owens is why I am so cautious about proclaiming AD as the bestThought I would update AD's stats.The last 2 games he has had 8 catches(18 on the season).Maybe he IS going to be a dual threat back.I just hope he stays healthy becuse if so he is HOF bound.

[Blues1]

As far as having ("The Longest Time playing in the NFL From OU") ~
I believe Tommy McDonald would hold that Record - Also Clendon Thomas played about 8 or 9 years in the Pro's -- I'm sure somebody can correct me IF I wrong..... :) - And yes I know Tommy was used as Wide reciever or a kickoff specialist --- Just sayin'

[stoopified]

Updating AD's stats again:

765c-3885 yds-31 TDs/59r-582 yds-1 TD

[Jello Biafra]

There is a big picture of an awesome running back wearing the No. 20 Detroit Lions jersey at Billy Sims BBQ here in Tulsa.

I had an uber blond moment when I said to NP "Barry Sanders?"

http://images.activefan.com/history/FDETL-1980.jpg

I'm sure I've had many blond moments, but that one was probably the worst to-date. :O


could be worse.
least you didnt say "calmus?"

[stoopified]

Greg Pruitt-
Rushing: 1195c-5672 yds-27 TDs/ Recieving:326r-3069yds-18 TDs

Billy Sims-
Rushing: 1131c-5106 yds-42 TDs/ Recieving:186r- 2072 yds-5 TDs

Joe Washington-
Rushing: 1195c-4839 yds-12 TDs/ Recieving: 395r-3413 yds-18 TDs

Adrian Petersen-
Rushing: 782c-4018yds- 33 TDs/Recieving: 61r-592 yds-1 TD

It seems obvious that IF AD stays healthy he will be the all-time Sooner rusher in the NFL by the end of next season.I say if because in his first 2 and 1/2 seasons Billy was at the same level before the strike and injuries sidelined him.

The other thing that I noticed is that the other three backs were very active as pass catchers.I find that ironic because they were all wishbone backs who were never really passcatchers at OU.AD on the other hand played in a passing offense his entire college career. It will take a little longer for AD to pass them in total offense because AD is not featured as a reciever.

Ihope AD stays healthy and goes on to a Hall of Fame career but with Sims,Washington,Pruit, it didn't happen.Their injury plagued careers as well as that of Steve Owens is why I am so cautious about proclaiming AD as the bestI thought I would update ADs career NFL stats again.He is now800 yards back of Little Joe,about 1000 behind Billy,and around1600 behing Pruitt.At the rate he is going he will pass them all by around midseason next year.I would love to see him go for 10-12 seasons,his numbers would be mind-boggling.

[stoopified]

Greg Pruitt-
Rushing: 1195c-5672 yds-27 TDs/ Recieving:326r-3069yds-18 TDs

Billy Sims-
Rushing: 1131c-5106 yds-42 TDs/ Recieving:186r- 2072 yds-5 TDs

Joe Washington-
Rushing: 1195c-4839 yds-12 TDs/ Recieving: 395r-3413 yds-18 TDs

Adrian Petersen-
Rushing: 915c-4484yds- 40 TDs/Recieving: 83r-829 yds-1 TD

tThought I would update AD's career tats nowthat the regular season is over.AD had 42 receptions this year,that is 1 more than his first two seasons combined.AD is becoming an even more dangerous player.

[swardboy]

Thanks Stoopified....hope AD can get 3 more games in before THIS season is over :)

[ndpruitt03]

Billy Sims needs to be in the Hall he had his stats in just 4 years. Imagine his stats if he played 10+ years? First off Sanders isn't wearing a Detroit Uni.

[stoopified]

As far as having ("The Longest Time playing in the NFL From OU") ~
I believe Tommy McDonald would hold that Record - Also Clendon Thomas played about 8 or 9 years in the Pro's -- I'm sure somebody can correct me IF I wrong..... :) - And yes I know Tommy was used as Wide reciever or a kickoff specialist --- Just sayin'No argument Tommy was great BUT he was aN NFL WR/KR/PR not a RB.below are his career stats:

152 games/ 495r-8410yds-84 TDs/KOR 51-1055yds (20.7 avg)/PR 73-404yds-1TD(5.5 avg)/Rushing 17c-22yds-0TD

The most remarkable thing about McDonald's careeris 84 TD catches in 495 total catches.That is better than 1 TD every 6 catches.Who would have thought a Split T hb with virtually no career pass receptions in college would be NFL HOF as a WR?

I first read the TD total I thought it was a typo,I added up each season,it ain't no typo.

[stoopified]

For grins I checked Jerry Rice' career numbers ,He had 1549 career catches and 197 TDs,that is one TD for roughly every NINE catches.Makes McDonalds TD ratio of I TD in every 6 catches even more impressive.

[ndpruitt03]

Longest OU pros? No one can touch Derland Moore. He played something like 15 years in the league.

[stoopified]

Longest OU pros? No one can touch Derland Moore. He played something like 15 years in the league.
14 years,179 games

[PLaw]

Pretty much....there really isn't anything that "new" in football, just variations of the same age old themes.

My favorite was always Little Joe
kBkpfWrGATg

Smoke through a key hole, baby, smoke through a key hole.

Long Live Little Joe.

BOOMER

[stoopified]

Greg Pruitt-
Rushing: 1195c-5672 yds-27 TDs/ Recieving:326r-3069yds-18 TDs

Billy Sims-
Rushing: 1131c-5106 yds-42 TDs/ Recieving:186r- 2072 yds-5 TDs

Joe Washington-
Rushing: 1195c-4839 yds-12 TDs/ Recieving: 395r-3413 yds-18 TDs

Adrian Petersen-
Rushing: 915c-4484yds- 40 TDs /Recieving: 83r-829yds-1 TD

It seems obvious that IF AD stays healthy he will be the all-time Sooner rusher in the NFLby the end of next season.I say if because in his first 2 and 1/2 seasons Billy was at the same level before the strike and injuries sidelined him.

The other thing that I noticed is that the other three backs were very active as pass catchers.I find that ironic because they were all wishbone backs who were never really passcatchers at OU.AD on the other hand played in a passing offense his entire college career. It will take a little longer for AD to pass them in total offense because AD is not featured as a reciever.

Ihope AD stays healthy and goes on to a Hall of Fame career but with Sims,Washington,Pruit, it didn't happen.Their injury plagued careers as well as that of Steve Owens is why I am so cautious about proclaiming AD as the bestAs the 2010 NFL season prepares to open tonite this is where AD currently stand:

AD needs 356 yards to pass Little Joe
623 yards to pass Billy
1189 yards to pass Pruitt

[texaspokieokie]

Billy Sims needs to be in the Hall he had his stats in just 4 years. Imagine his stats if he played 10+ years? First off Sanders isn't wearing a Detroit Uni.

Sanders would've been estatic.

[stoopified]

Greg Pruitt-
Rushing: 1195c-5672 yds-27 TDs/ Recieving:326r-3069yds-18 TDs

Billy Sims-
Rushing: 1131c-5106 yds-42 TDs/ Recieving:186r- 2072 yds-5 TDs

Joe Washington-
Rushing: 1195c-4839 yds-12 TDs/ Recieving: 395r-3413 yds-18 TDs

Adrian Petersen-
Rushing: 976c-4716yds- 41 TDs /Recieving: 71r-885yds-1 TD

It seems obvious that IF AD stays healthy he will be the all-time Sooner rusher in the NFby the end of next season.I say if because in his first 2 and 1/2 seasons Billy was at the same level before the strike and injuries sidelined him.

The other thing that I noticed is that the other three backs were very active as pass catchers.I find that ironic because they were all wishbone backs who were never really passcatchers at OU.AD on the other hand played in a passing offense his entire college career. It will take a little longer for AD to pass them in total offense because AD is not featured as a reciever.

Ihope AD stays healthy and goes on to a Hall of Fame career but with Sims,Washington,Pruit, it didn't happen.Their injury plagued careers as well as that of Steve Owens is why I am so cautious about proclaiming AD as the bestAfter two games of the 2010 season AD is now 124 yards from passing Joe Washington,391 yards from passing Billy Sims,956 yards from passing Greg Pruitt for the #1 spot as top OU runner in NFL history.Barring injury AD should pass Pruitt by season's end.AD also has become a recieving threat unlike his first two seasons.

I would add that since originally posting this thread I'm starting to think/hope that the injury hex that has plagued so many Sooners in the NFL will not halt AD prematurely.

[rawlingsHOH]

ndpruitt03

Where did this guy go?

[Jello Biafra]

Where did this guy go?

hes around....he likes to watch through the slats in the closet door...

[cyclonesooner]

What a shame that Billy Sims couldn't have had a healthy career comparable to Emmitt Smith. There would be a different career NFL rushing leader. So natural and fluid. My favorite sooner back with Joe Washington a close second.

[Crucifax Autumn]

He woulda had to play for someone besides the Lions too.

[jkjsooner]

How many more years would Peterson need to keep his current level of play to get him into the hall of fame. How many years after that would he need to hang on after production declines?

Comparing him to Earl Campbell (who played fewer years than most modern HOF RB's) Peterson's first three years have been comparable to Campbell's first three except that Peterson has yet to match Campbell's 1934 yards.

Campbell only had a couple of other years where he rushed for 1300+ yards and then had 3 mediocre years.

Using that as a guide, I think if Peterson kept up his pace for another couple of years and then extended his career a few years after that then there would be a strong argument for him.

Not trying to diss Campbell but that seems to be the minimum.


I'm interested in this because OU has been under-represented in the HOF. Not counting Aikman, we only have a couple and before 1995 we didn't have any.

Given, running option offenses for so long played a role. Untimely injuries also played a role but I'd bet that's very common. I'd bet for every HOF'er there's at least one other player who was on HOF pace whose career ended due to injuries.