One of Adrian Peterson's nicknames is "All Day." He earned the nickname as a youngster because he never seemed to tire from running around. As a veteran in the NFL, he still doesn't tire from running around, especially on the first day of the season.
Yes, All Day loves opening day.
Peterson has totaled 100 yards of offense and has at least one touchdown in six of seven opening day games, the first touchdown of his career came on opening day, he's scored an opening day touchdown on Monday Night Football (2008 in Green Bay), and his opening day performance in Cleveland in 2009 was record-setting as his 180 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns are both team records.
Adrian's totals on opening day:133 carries for 748 yards and 10 total TDsAdrian's average on opening day:19 carries for 106.9 yards and 1.4 TDs
Here's a closer look at Peterson's performances on his seven opening days in the NFL:
2007In his NFL debut, Peterson didn't disappoint. Against the Atlanta Falcons defense, coordinated by Mike Zimmer, Peterson carried the ball 19 times for 103 yards and also scored on a 60-yard touchdown reception.
2008The Vikings opened the 2008 season at Lambeau Field, and although it was the first game of the season, Peterson was in mid-season form. He ran for 103 yards and one touchdown on 19 carries.
2009In perhaps his greatest opening day game and a signature performance of his illustrious career, Peterson ran for 180 yards and three touchdown on 25 carries. This game is notable for another reason: it was the first regular season game of Brett Favre's Vikings career.
2010The Vikings opened the 2010 season against the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints. Peterson led the way offensively, generating 101 total yards of offense (87 rushing yards, 14 receiving yards).
2011
Head coach Norv Turner and the San Diego Chargers welcomed the Vikings on opening day in 2011, and Peterson wasn't concerned with being a polite guest. He generated 104 yards of offense, including 98 rushing yards on 16 carries.
2012
In another signature moment of his career, Peterson played in Week 1 of the 2012 season after spending the entire offseason viciously rehabbing from a knee injury. In a truly inspiring performance, Peterson rushed for 84 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries while helping the Vikings to a dramatic overtime victory.
2013Coming off a MVP campaign in 2012, Peterson's 2013 season began with a bang. He sprinted 78 yards for a touchdown on the Vikings first play from scrimmage. He finished the day with 111 total yards of offense and three touchdowns.
