Detroit Lions legendary running back Barry Sanders had nothing but good things to say about the team’s current top running back Adrian Peterson, who will join him in the Hall of Fame before too long.
http://gty.im/1277403966
It won’t be long before Peterson is in range of Sanders’ mark of 15,269 rushing yards.
“I’ve always been very fond of Adrian; he’s one of the all-time greats,” said Sanders. “He’s just a fantastic talent.”
http://gty.im/1202802313
“Watching him (Peterson) in college, he played in the same conference where I played and against a rival team (Sanders for Oklahoma State, Peterson for Oklahoma), and I’ve always had a lot of great respect for him.”
Sanders is impressed that Peterson continues to move up the NFL’s all-time ladder at 35 years of age, and marvels at his training.
“The great thing is, the guy is still playing at a high level,” Sanders said. “We love having him here in Detroit. He is one of those guys that he brings his lunch box – I guess that metaphor still connects with people. He brings his lunch box and you know the guy runs hard.
“He’s been a nice addition to the offense. As a fan I’m excited to see him here.”
Sanders, who was a top physical specimen in his own right, appreciates the steps that Peterson is taking to keep himself in top shape, even in the latter half of his career.
“He takes great care of his body; he’s always been in fantastic shape,” Sanders said. “When he got injured he knew exactly how to get back to where he was before.
“He understands what it takes to prepare yourself. He’s always been just a great physical specimen.
“He’s one of the all-time greats and certainly in the last handful of years one of the best players and running backs, and definitely a future Hall of Famer.”
Peterson recently passed Sanders on the NFL’s all-time rushing attempt list.
– – Quotes via Ted Kulfan of The Detroit News Link – –
