The Washington Redskins announced on Wednesday that they will pick up running back Adrian Peterson’s team option for the upcoming season, securing the return of the future Hall of Famer in their backfield.
Peterson, who will turn 35 in March, delivered another strong season as part of Washington’s backfield. He racked up 898 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the year, while averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
Washington hired Ron Rivera as head coach in December and he is quickly working to keep some of this team’s most important veterans, including Trent Williams, for their leadership in the locker room.
“Adrian Peterson is the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league,” head coach Ron Rivera said, via Redskins.com. “Adrian’s leadership and passion towards the game of football will set an example of what is expected of the players in this program moving forward.”
Peterson currently ranks fifth in NFL history in rushing yards (14,216), just 1,054 yards away from passing Barry Sanders. He also moved past Walter Payton on the NFL’s all-time rushing touchdown list and now sits fourth with 111 in his career.