“I Can still Play the Game at a High Level” – Washington Redskins Star Wishes to Play till 2023

Washington Redskins running back, Adrian Peterson, recently told TMZ Sports he hopes and wants to play in the NFL for four more years! That would result in a long career for the 35-year-old. “Man, why not four more years?” Peterson said. “Why not?”

The running back will return for his 14th season in the NFL, later this year. He was picked seventh overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2007 NFL Draft. Of the six picks made before him, only 2 actually worked out. In his professional career so far, Peterson has over 14,200 rushing yards and 111 rushing touchdowns. He was named NFL’s MVP in 2012 and is a seven-time Pro Bowler.

Adding to his wish to play through 2023, Adrian said, “I don’t want to ever be in a position where I look back and say, ‘Man, I should have played two more years, I should have played another year.’ I want to enjoy it. I’m still chasing a championship. You know, I can still play the game at a high level.”

Chasing Emmitt Smith’s record?

Running back Emmitt Smith, who played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals, has a record-high 18,355 rushing yards and 164 rushing touchdowns. He was a part of the 1990s Cowboys dynasty and was even named Super Bowl MVP for the 1993 season.

The fact that Adrian Peterson wants to play four more years could imply that he is aiming to break (or at least, equal) Smith’s record. However, he is about 4,100 yards short and thus needs over 1,000 rushing yards per season to catch Smith.

Despite his early start, an incredible peak, and even with four more seasons (if he does get to play), Peterson could still fall short. However, it’s important to keep in mind that he has beaten many odds and has surprised us even when we hardly expected it (2018).

The Washington Redskins extended Peterson’s contract for the 2020 season in February, but we don’t know if they’ll be willing to do the same in the following season(s). Adrian’s extension is worth $2.5 million with an additional $1.5 million in possible incentives.

New head coach Ron Rivera had said in a statement, “Adrian Peterson is the epitome of what it means to be a pro in this league. Adrian’s leadership and passion towards the game of football will set an example of what is expected of the players in this program moving forward.”

Here’s hoping he does achieve phenomenal feat in the seasons which lay ahead!