Since talking to Pete Carroll, Adrian Peterson has been thinking about testing the waters in coaching after retiring. But now, the 36-year-old legendary running back still plans to continue his Hall of Fame career in the 2022 season.
Sadly, Peterson ended his 15th NFL season with the Seahawks reserve. On Sunday, the Seahawks beat the Arizona Cardinals to bid farewell to the 2021 season with a record of 7-10, and Peterson joined the team in early December to play a game before injuring his back. Peterson, who will be a free agent at the end of the season, said on Monday he had not discussed returning to the Seahawks with management, but he hoped to continue playing.
"I just can't imagine my career ending in this way," Peterson said, "so I'm going to go into the offseason with the mindset of continuing to play and I still love the sport." I feel like I can stay at a high level in the offseason, and I feel like I can do incredible things to keep myself healthy, to be double-honed physically and mentally, and most importantly to hone my mindset. So from now on, I'm looking forward to the next time I'm on the pitch. ”
When the Seahawks signed Peterson, the team was almost out of the playoffs, but they believed Peterson could set an example for young players. That's reflected in fourth-year running back Rashad Penny, who exploded at the end of the season just after Peterson joined the team. Penny rushed out 671 yards in the final five games to lead the league and completed six touchdowns during that time. He constantly said that he had received the "true transmission" from Peterson and benefited a lot.
"I think the person who was most influenced by me should be Penny." Peterson said: "He did not flinch, nor did he shyly ask questions, humbly asking me for advice." Not only would he ask me, but he would really give action. It was amazing, he was doing something to stay in shape and figure all week. ”
Carroll sees this too, which is why he recently suggested that Peterson transition to coaching after retiring. Before that, Peterson had never considered going to coach, except for his son's minor league team. 'I've been thinking about it since talking to Coach Pitt. Peterson said: "I also talked to my wife and she said, 'Adrian, when you're around rugby, you're a completely different person, you know. So this is something you should seriously consider. So it's really the first time I've thought about it, and whether or not I have a chance to continue my career, I'm going to work in that direction." ”
In Peterson's only game for the Seahawks this year, he completed the touchdown, tied for tenth with Jim Brown on the NFL rushing touchdowns list. He currently has 14,918 career dashing yards, fifth in the NFL.
(Great White)