Adrian Peterson Goes Into the Hall of Fame

Former Georgia Southern star Adrian Peterson added another honor to his already sparkling résumé when he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at the 60th National Football Foundation Annual Awards Dinner Dec. 5 at the landmark Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Peterson’s No. 3 jersey is retired at Georgia Southern and he still stands as the NCAA’s Division I all-time leading rusher with 6,559 yards in regular-season contests. The Alachua, Florida, native was the first sophomore to win the Walter Payton Award, given to the top player in the FCS.

“What an amazing honor to be recognized for such a prestigious award,” Peterson said. “I am grateful for the chance to represent my hometown of Alachua, Florida, and my parents, Porter and Reatha Peterson, who set me up for success from the very start. Thank you, Georgia Southern University, for the opportunity to further my education and receive a college degree while playing the game of football. Lastly, sincere thanks to the committee for considering me worthy and allowing me to join such an elite class of men.”

The class, which includes Peyton Manning, Marshall Faulk, Steve Spurrier and more, will be permanently enshrined at the new College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

This spring Peterson was named director of student-athlete development, serving as a mentor to the current Eagles players and updating the coaching staff about the athlete’s academic progress. He will also help with on-campus recruiting.