Adrian Peterson continues to defy the odds at the running back position as he enters his 14th season in the NFL. While it is unclear what his role will be with the Washington Football Team in 2020, Peterson shared why he continues to suit up on Sundays.

“They put us in this box, four to five years and typically you're out. What people look at as a successful career is seven or eight years in the NFL. Why not 15? Why not 18 years? It's me playing my role in trying to empower our next generation.” Peterson said, via ESPN's John Keim, he “always feels” he has to prove himself, especially when he sees running backs who are big, young and can catch.

Adrian Peterson, who turned 35 years old back in March, continues to play at a high level despite his age. In the past two seasons, he's led  Washington in rushing, contributing 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2018 campaign.

Article Continues Below
More Commanders News
Trey Amos, Commanders
Rising Commanders rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsDouglas Fritz ·
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium.
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels hit with Caleb Williams diss from Seth RollinsMalik Brown ·
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Commanders rumors: Terry McLaurin’s contract ‘frustrations’ coming to a headJoey Mistretta ·
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) runs the ball against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun (53) during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium.
Commanders earn ‘model NFL franchise’ moniker from NFL InsiderMalik Brown ·
NFL rumors: Lions beat Bills, Commanders in ESPN's Trey Hendrickson trade bidding war
Lions beat Bills, Commanders in ESPN’s Trey Hendrickson trade bidding warChris Spiering ·
Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates with Commanders linebacker Mykal Walker (32) after their game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Commanders’ Marshon Lattimore joins Terry McLaurin in OTA absenceJosh Davis ·

Ahead of the upcoming season, Adrian Peterson could be the starting running back for Washington. Following the release of Derrius Guice due to an off-the-field incident, Peterson, Bryce Love, and rookie Antonio Gibson are expected to see expanded roles in the offense.

After his first 13 seasons in the NFL, Peterson is currently positioned as the fifth-leading rusher of all-time in league history. The former first-round pick stated that he would love to surpass Barry Sanders on the all-time rushing list. Peterson needs 1,054 rushing yards to pass Sanders.

Throughout NFL history, running backs have typically had some of the shortest careers in the league due to the punishment they take each and every play. In light of that, Peterson is attempting to buck the trend by playing until he feels he can't contribute anymore.