EAGAN, Minn. – Two former Vikings are part of the 2010s All-Decade Team, the NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Monday.
Running back Adrian Peterson and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson were included on the 55-member team decided by votes cast over the past several weeks by the Hall of Fame's 48-member selection committee.
The team consists of 53 players and two coaches: Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll.
Only players who received at least one selection to a Pro Bowl, Associated Press All-Pro team or Pro Football Writers Association all-conference team during the 2010-19 seasons were eligible.
Peterson, whom the Vikings drafted No. 7 overall in 2007, was one of eight unanimous selections. Also considered shoo-ins were QB Tom Brady, DT Aaron Donald, LB Von Miller, T Joe Thomas, K Justin Tucker, DE J.J. Watt and G Marshall Yanda.
From 2010-19 with the Vikings (2010-16), Saints (2017), Cardinals (2017) and Redskins (2018-19), Peterson totaled 2,121 carries for 9,732 yards and 71 touchdowns. That span includes his 2012 season with Minnesota, during which he racked up 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns. Peterson was named First-Team All-Pro twice during the decade (2012 and 2015) and earned four Pro Bowl nods (2010, 2012-13, 2015).
Peterson is one of four running backs on the All-Decade Team, joining Frank Gore, Marshawn Lynch and LeSean McCoy.
The Vikings drafted Patterson 29th overall in 2013, and he immediately made a significant impact for Minnesota's special teams, totaling a career-high 1,393 yards and two touchdowns on 43 kickoff returns.
In 111 games with the Vikings (2013-16), Raiders (2017), Patriots (2018) and Bears (2019), Patterson has recorded 204 kickoff returns for 6,101 yards and seven touchdowns. Following the 2013, 2016 and 2019 seasons, Patterson earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
The All-Decade Team also included kick returner Devin Hester. Punt returners were Tyreek Hill and Darren Sproles.
What about Harrison Smith, you might ask?
Fair question, since the All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl safety totaled 23 interceptions and returned a franchise-record four for touchdowns in starting 113 of 114 regular-season games played. Smith's 13 career sacks are the most by any defensive back since 2010.
Smith, however, was not included on a team with three spots for safeties. The nods went to Earl Thomas, Eric Berry and Eric Weddle.
To see the full 2010s All-Decade Team, click here.
