From his record-breaking freshman season at Oklahoma to his physical dominance on every carry, Adrian Peterson left no doubt that No. 28 belongs to him.
When it comes to wearing No. 28 in college football, no one did it quite like Adrian Peterson.
In a recent ranking by Fox Sports of the greatest players by jersey number, the Oklahoma legend earned the top spot at No. 28. A number he made synonymous with bruising runs, explosive speed, and with a dominating performance during his three-year collegiate career.
Peterson nicknamed AD for “All Day” this moniker was dubbed for his brand of power and production that few running backs in history have matched.
Peterson’s arrival at Oklahoma in 2004 felt like the beginning of a new era, as delivered from what felt like the very first snap and carry he took.
As a true freshman, Peterson rushed for 1,932 yards, breaking the NCAA freshman rushing record and finishing as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
He became the centerpiece of a Sooners team that reached the BCS National Championship Game, as his running style was a rare mix of violence and precision that made him a player that you had to turn your TV on for every Sunday.
Over three seasons in Norman, Peterson racked up 4,041 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns, despite battling injuries and teams knowing he's the focal point and loading the box every down.
Even when defenses knew what was coming, it didn’t matter. Peterson could beat you with raw strength, a lethal stiff arm, or a sudden burst through the second level.
He wasn't all stats, it was the way he played. Peterson ran like he was trying to bring the hurt to the guys trying to take him down. Every carry looked personal as it looked like he wanted to punish his defenders.
He left Oklahoma as one of the most feared backs in college football history, and his No. 28 became iconic both in Norman and eventually in the pros.
Peterson’s greatness in the No. 28 jersey has echoed beyond college. While others have worn it before and since, none have matched his combination of production, presence, and star power on the college stage.
From the moment he stepped on campus, Adrian Peterson fans and opponents alike knew he was different. He lived up to the high and redefined what it meant to be a freshman phenom, a feature back, and a future college football hall of famer.
When you think of the greatest to ever wear No. 28 on a college football field, the answer is easy Adrian Lewis Peterson and his play put no doubt in the minds of the fans.
Category: General Sports
