Adrian Peterson didn’t know how close he came to record

Adrian Peterson put together another brilliant performance for the Minnesota Vikings and nearly set the NFL record for single-season rushing yards in the process. Peterson rushed for 199 yards and a touchdown in Minnesota’s playoff berth-clinching win over the Green Bay Packers Sunday. He ended the season with 2,097 yards, which placed him second all-time and nine yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105 set in 1984. The funny thing is Peterson had no idea how close he came to the record.

Peterson was interviewed by FOX’s Pam Oliver following Minnesota’s 37-34 win and didn’t know where he stood regarding the rushing record.

“Nine yards, boy, that’s gotta hurt,” Oliver said to Peterson.

Oliver must have been incorrectly assuming that Peterson knew what happened with the record, because Peterson didn’t know what she was talking about.

“Nine yards what? From breaking it?” Peterson asked.

“That’s what I heard,” Oliver answered.

“Oh, well, ultimately, we got the W. That was my main focus coming into the game. I said if it happens, then it happens, but don’t focus on it.”

Peterson elaborated in his postgame media conference.

“First thing that came to my mind when I heard that I was nine yards short was, ‘it is what it is. It wasn’t meant to happen, or it would have happened.’ Not to say it doesn’t hurt — because it does — but we came in here tonight and accomplished our ultimate goal.”

Not only is Peterson a spectacular player, but he also places his team’s goals ahead of his personal achievements. It’s hard not to like a player who has such an admirable attitude.