Let’s Debate! The Best Running Back in Vikings Franchise History
By: Ross Blilie
3–21–2023
Recently on Facebook, I saw an article posted by the Vikings Wire talking about Adrian Peterson possibly retiring from the NFL. After I started writing this article, I went back to my facebook account but couldn’t find that article again. So after a google search, I found it. They said that Josina Anderson of CBS Sports had a source say that Peterson was considering retiring in April of this year. That got me thinking about who the best running back is in Minnesota Vikings franchise history.
Let’s see how many I can name off the top of my head without having to use Google.
- Tommy Mason-#1 RB taken in the first draft in franchise history in 1961.
- Bill Brown-technically the first full back in Vikings history, but ran the ball quite a few times back in the ’60’s.
- Dave Osborn- had to put him on the list because of him coming from Cando, ND to UND to the NFL.
- Chuck Foreman-aka The Spin Doctor- best RB in the 1970’s. Helped the team to four Super Bowl appearances.
- Herschel Walker-RB for the Vikings in the ’80’s
- Robert Smith-’90’s
- Adrian Peterson
- Dalvin Cook
Dang! That’s all I can think of at the moment! After a quick search on google, it revealed that Moe Williams, Chester Taylor, Toby Gerheardt, Matt Asiata, Mewelde Moore, Leroy Hoard, and Michael Bennett all played running back for the Vikings. There are plenty of other players on the list that I didn’t mention, but in the interest of time, I will let you do a Google search for yourself.
When I think about who the best running back in Vikings franchise history is, I think you got to think about the decade they were playing in. The 60’s were a lot different than the 70’s and so forth. However, looking at the overall attributes of speed, power and agility, I think there is no question that Adrian Peterson is the best running back to ever wear the purple and gold uniform.
Sometimes when I think about how he came back from his torn ACL in nine months, I am impressed and baffled. When he ran for 296 yards against the Chargers, I thought that was the best thing I had ever seen next too watching Randy Moss’ performances every sunday. Justin Jefferson is making it easy to want to watch every sunday now, but back in the day, AP AD was awesome to watch.
Ross Blilie is an avid NFL fan of the Minnesota Vikings since the 1990’s. He loves to talk about the NFL and the Vikings every chance he gets. His hobbies also include bowling with his wife and friends, narrating audiobooks, fishing, and even sitting by a campfire with family at Lake Blackduck in Minnesota. You can find Ross on twitter & Instagram @Rossthenarrator.
