Adrian Peterson to host charity event at Riverwind: Former Sooners great and current Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will be back in Oklahoma Feb. 27 for his annual charity dinner at Riverwind Casino. "Dinner with Adrian Peterson” begins at 7 p.m. and will benefit Peterson’s All Day Foundation. Individual tickets are $350. Tables of eight can also be purchased for either $2,500 or $5,000. The $2,500 tables include a signed Vikings jersey for the table sponsor, while the $5,000 tables come with an autographed Vikings helmet for the sponsor, signed picture for each person at the table and a photo-op for the group. For more information, call Bill Horn at (405) 409-2223, or email him at bill@inspiremgmtco.com. (The Oklahoman)
Stoops makes comparisons of Murray to Peterson: Last week, DeMarco Murray did his best impression of a Mack Truck and sent Baylor's All-Big 12 safety, Jordan Lake, flailing out of bounds to cap off a run on the right sideline. "He's always been a little more physical than I think people have ever looked at or given him credit for, and I've always felt that," said coach Bob Stoops. "Everyone thinks of Adrian (Peterson) as being so quick and strong, well, he's about the same size, so he's pretty close." But more impressive for Stoops than the flashy highlights has been the Las Vegas native’s development into a complete player. "He does the little things, too. Protecting, he's good with his hands," Stoops said. "He can do everything." (The Oklahoman)
Adrian Peterson youth camp being held June 25 - 27: I've been asked and e-mailed by quite a few of you interested in Adrian Peterson's youth camp. Here's the 411, the youth camp will be held June 25- 27 in Norman, Oklahoma with Adrian Peterson and area high school coaches on hand. The camp is open to boys and girls 7 to 14 yrs old.
Adrian Peterson Camp Details
Date: June 25 - 27, 2009
Location: University of Oklahoma Intramural Fields - Norman, OK
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $199 ($6 online and credit card convenience fee not included) Contact the Adrian Peterson camp about multiple camp / multiple camper discounts!
Refund Policy: A full refund less a $35 handling fee will be available until two weeks prior to camp.
Each Camper Receives: • Camp T-Shirt • Camp Team Photo • 9 Hours of Expert Instruction • Opportunity to Win Contests and Prizes • A Fun and Educational Experience Guaranteed!
Peterson to be honored at second annual Adrian Peterson Day Parade: In his rookie season, Adrian Peterson made quite an impression on NFL fans and coaches around. The Palestine High School graduate was named the Associated Press' NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year as well as the Pro Bowl MVP, to name a few honors. For his accomplishments, he will be honored in the second annual Adrian Peterson Day Parade on June 21 in Palestine (Texas). "We had over 1,000 people here last year, but we're expecting an even bigger turnout this year," Carol Peques, who is the founder and organizer of the parade, said. "We got flyers out early and we've contacted people in Minnesota and Oklahoma who are all interested in Adrian." The parade will begin on Avenue A across from the courthouse at 10 a.m. and end at Old Town Palestine, followed by Texas State Railroad Park Festivities. (Palestine Herald)
Former Sooner Adrian Peterson holding youth camp in Norman: NFL Rookie of the Year and former OU great Adrian Peterson will hold the inaugural Old Spice Adrian Peterson Football Camp presented by AT&T this summer. The camp will be for children ages 7 to 14 on June 26-28 at the OU intramural fields. The camp, which will also be led by area high school coaches, will emphasize all-around basic fundamental skills of football, including passing, receiving, defense and teamwork. The cost of the camp is $199. For more information, call (513) 247-3032, or go to adrianpetersoncamp.com. (The Oklahoman)
Adrian Peterson's Vikings #28 sixth best selling jersey: Top 20 Best Selling NFL Jerseys from April 1-Feb. 8, on NFLShop.com. (Darren Rovell/CNBC.com)
1. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys 2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots 3. Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers 4. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts 5. LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers 6. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings 7. Eli Manning, New York Giants 8. Randy Moss, New England Patriots 9. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears 10. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers Note: In 1998 Randy Moss became the only NFL Rookie to have the league's most popular jersey.
Adrian Peterson earns MVP honors: From NFL.com.. Sure, Adrian Peterson is a rookie. Sure, the Pro Bowl was a new experience for him. Sure, he might not have been all that familiar with the game's somewhat casual tempo. But Peterson operates at only one speed: Full. That was the reason that he ran for 1,341 yards for the Minnesota Vikings, becoming the first rookie to lead the NFC in that category since Barry Sanders in 1989. That was the reason he established the league's single-game rushing record with 296 yards against San Diego. And that was the speed at which Peterson functioned Sunday in rushing for 129 yards (second-most in Pro Bowl history) and two touchdowns in the NFC's 42-30 victory over the AFC. The performance earned him MVP honors and high praise from his fellow Pro Bowlers. (NFL.com)
Adrian Peterson named Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year: Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was chosen as the 2007 Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year, the NFL announced Thursday in Phoenix. The former Oklahoma star won the award in fan voting on the NFL's Web site. Nearly 440,000 fans voted from Jan. 3-28, topping last year's record of 363,500 voters. Peterson was one of five finalists for the award. The other finalists were wide receiver Dwayne Bowe of the Kansas City Chiefs; running back Marshawn Lynch of the Buffalo Bills; offensive tackle Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns and linebacker Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers. (The Oklahoman)
Sam Bradford named to Maxwell watch list: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford has been added to the watch list for the Maxwell Award. The honor is presented annually to the top player in college football by the Maxwell Football Club of Philadelphia. Bradford, a redshirt freshman, leads the nation in passing efficiency with a rating of 181.15. He has completed 128-of-181 passes for 1,689 yards and 20 touchdowns with only four interceptions. His 20 touchdown passes are tied for the sixth-best total in school history. Bradford's position coach, Josh Heupel, also threw 20 in the 2000 national championship season. The school record of 40 was set by Jason White in 2003. Bradford has multiple TD passes in six games, including five in the season opener. That effort tied White's school record. He has completed at least 65% in six games, has no interceptions in four games and has at least one 30-yard pass in every game. Oklahoma players have won the Maxwell Award twice. Tommy McDonald captured the honor in 1956 and White followed in 2004. (SoonerSports PR)
Iglesias career milestone: With seven catches against the Tigers, junior WR Juaquin Iglesias has 102 for his career. He becomes the 12th Sooner with more than 100 career catches all-time and the eighth under Bob Stoops.
Hold that phone: Bob Stoops couldn't help but interrupt his weekly teleconference with beat writers Sunday afternoon. He was watching Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings beat Chicago. "You guys watching Adrian tear it up?" Stoops said. "He just ripped off about a 30-yard run . . . I take that back. It was about a 50-yarder."(Tulsa World)
OU-Iowa State kickoff set for 11:30 FSN: Oklahoma's football game at Iowa State this Saturday will kickoff at 11:30 a.m., and will be televised by Fox Sports Net. The network made the announcement Sunday afternoon. The No. 4-ranked Sooners will be playing at Ames, Iowa, for the first time since 2003. The homestanding Cyclones, 1-6, 0-3, will be looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Last season, Oklahoma turned back Iowa State in Norman, 34-9. (SoonerSports PR)
McCoy first career sack: Freshman DL Gerald McCoy recorded his first career sack against the Tigers.
Baker career best: Senior LB Lewis Baker recorded a career-best 11 stops against Missouri.
ESPN College GameDay Live! from Norman: ESPN College GameDay is headed for Norman again. Officials with the weekly college football show contacted the Oklahoma Athletics Department Sunday morning with the word that the network had selected this week's homecoming game with the Missouri Tigers. It will be the 14th time the show has been on hand for an Oklahoma game, including last year's game at Texas A&M. GameDay's last visit to Norman was for the 2003 Oklahoma State game. Other trips to Norman included the 2000 Nebraska game, the 2001 Kansas State game and the 1995 Colorado game. The exact location for the GameDay set will be determined later this week. GameDay features host Chris Fowler and analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard, who spend two hours each Saturday morning providing in-depth coverage of college football. (SoonerSports PR)
Brown returned with eight carries: Chris Brown, who took a blow to the head at Tulsa and carried just once at Colorado last week, rejoined OU's tailback rotation. He carried eight times for just 24 yards, but converted on third-and-short during two touchdown drives. (Tulsa World)
Peterson on the OU sideline: Former OU star running back Adrian Peterson cheered the Sooners from the sidelines Saturday. His new team, the Minnesota Vikings, is off this week. "It felt like he was still one of us," junior wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias said. "After every play, he was hitting you and saying congratulations. He was one of those great players, and I still feel like he's part of this team." (Dallas Morning News)
Harris celebrates 21st birthday with eight tackles: Oklahoma free safety Nic Harris couldn't have envisioned a much better 21st birthday. The Alexandria, La., native turned 21 Saturday and celebrated with the first victory over Texas in his three seasons at OU. Harris had a team-high eight tackles and one quarterback sack. (NewsOK.com)
Play of the Game? With the score tied 14-14 at halftime, Texas came out firing to start the second half. The Longhorns marched 64 yards in seven plays to set up first-and-goal from the Oklahoma 8. A delay of game penalty pushed the ball back to the 13. Texas running back Jamaal Charles rushed over left tackle and was headed toward the end zone when OU linebacker Curtis Lofton grabbed him from behind and used his right hand to slap the football from Charles' grasp. Stoops called it the "play of the game." OU defensive tackle Gerald McCoy recovered the fumble at the OU 4-yard line. (Dallas Morning News)
Gerald McCoy returned to starting lineup: Oklahoma redshirt freshman Gerald McCoy returned to the starting lineup at defensive tackle for the first time since the second week of the season. McCoy broke a bone in his right hand against Miami and sat out the following week. McCoy has played the last two games as a backup, with his hand in a cast. (Dallas Morning News)
Correction: A. Patrick suffers sprained ankle; Severity unknown: Don't expect to see tailback Allen Patrick at the Sooners' first preseason scrimmage Saturday. The expected starter sprained his right ankle at practice Wednesday evening. Although the severity is unknown, coach Bob Stoops typically keeps even slightly injured players from scrimmaging. If Patrick does not play, expect a rotation of sophomore Chris Brown, redshirt freshman DeMarco Murray and senior Jacob Gutierrez. (Tulsa World)
Peterson expects to play in Vikings preseason opener: Adrian Peterson (hip pointer) said Thursday he has been told he will play tonight. Coach Brad Childress continues to say the rookie No. 1 draft choice's status will be a game-time decision. (Star-Tribune) Game will be televised tape-delayed Saturday morning, 10 a.m. eastern on NFL Network.
Sooners to practice in full pads today: Hot and breezy conditions greeted the Sooner football team Sunday evening in Norman during the squad's fourth practice of the preseason. OU worked for two-and-one-half hours at the rugby fields west of Lloyd Noble Center. The Sooners are slated to break out full pads for the first time in the preseason for Monday's practice. (SoonerSports)
A. Peterson back at Vikings practice: Adrian Peterson didn't pile up any official stats, and there wasn't a log of his minutes of live action on the practice fields at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. But his mere participation Saturday was noteworthy for the Vikings. "It's nice to see him out there," Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell said. "Obviously, you could see his speed. He still has a long way to go as far as catching up mentally, but he's doing a nice job." Although the practice lasted just over an hour, Peterson teased Viking fans on a couple of plays. After missing Friday's practice against the Chiefs because of a hip pointer, Peterson was happy to just return to the fold. "I felt pretty good," he said. "Getting the reps, and just getting in the groove. Each rep counts. So it felt good to be out there and get some work in." Despite his minor injury, Childress said he liked Peterson competing and practicing Saturday. (Pioneer Press)
Oklahoma shuffles DBs; Holmes to free safety: The surprise move for the start of preseason practice is the shift of Lendy Holmes from cornerback to free safety. Venables said Holmes has taken to the new position like a fish to water. "He covers a lot of ground and has a lot of range. He's had hands all over the ball," Venables said. "He's really transitioned well in knowing where he needs to be and playing well in space. He does a great job of reading the quarterback." (More at Norman Transcript)
A. Peterson leaves practice with injury: Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson left Thursday's practice with an injury after taking an elbow to his hip while catching a pass in a drill, but he said it wasn't serious. "It's not a big deal at all," said Peterson, who called the injury a minor hip pointer.Peterson missed the first five practices of training camp before signing on Sunday a five-year, $40.5 million contract that includes $17 million guaranteed. His status is day to day, but he's unlikely to participate in weekend scrimmages against the Kansas City Chiefs.(AP/MSNBC.com) Update: Adrian Peterson suffered a hip pointer injury in practice.
Sooners 2007 Practice Schedule Wednesday: Players report Thursday: Conditioning test, practice (helmets only) Friday: Media Day, Fans Meet the Sooners, practice (helmets only) Saturday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday: Practice, 4:30 p.m. (Memorial Stadium) Monday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. (full pads) Tuesday: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Wednesday: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 9: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 10: Off Aug. 11: Scrimmage, 11 a.m. (Memorial Stadium) Aug. 12: Off Aug. 13: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 14: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 15: Practice, 9-11 a.m., 6-8:10 p.m. Aug. 16: Practice, 5-7:30 p.m. Aug. 17: Practice, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 18: Scrimmage, 6 p.m. (Memorial Stadium) Aug. 19: Off Aug. 20: First day of class (normal practice schedule begins) Aug. 22: Scrimmage, 6 p.m. (Memorial Stadium)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and NotesFormer OU Star Adrian Peterson signs with Vikings: The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to terms with 1st-round draft choice RB Adrian Peterson (#7 overall) from Oklahoma. The Vikings have now signed/agreed to terms with all 8 of their draft picks from the 2007 NFL Draft. (Vikings.com)
Peterson signs five-year, maximum $40 million possible: The No. 7 overall draft pick ended his brief three-day holdout on Sunday when he [Adrain Peterson] signed a five-year, $40.5 million contract with $17 million in guaranteed money."It's about time," Taylor said Sunday with a chuckle after the Vikings wrapped up their fifth training camp practice without his new backfield mate. "We need him out here so we can groove our offense even better with him coming back. So I'm just looking forward to him taking the field." (AP/Forbes)
Contract a six-year deal? Although avoidable: He [Peterson] was traveling to the Twin Cities from Norman, Okla., Sunday evening to sign a deal that would pay him a maximum of $40 million if he reaches all of its incentives.The Vikings guaranteed Peterson $17 million over the course of the deal, a critical figure for running backs, who typically have shorter-than-average careers in the NFL. Although the contract technically spans six years, the final year is voidable and exists mostly for salary cap purposes. If he reaches none of the incentives but plays five years, Peterson will earn about $25 million. (Star-Tribune)
Adrian Peterson expected to remain unsigned after start of camp: The Vikings' contract negotiations with the top of their draft class intensified on Monday, but it seemed unlikely that first-round pick Adrian Peterson would be among the players reporting to training camp Wednesday at Minnesota State Mankato. Talks with cornerback Marcus McCauley, the Vikings' third-round pick, and second-round receiver Sidney Rice were more advanced as of Monday evening. At the very least, both players seem on track to participate in the Vikings' opening practice Friday morning. Players are due in Mankato for a full day of meetings Thursday. (Star-Tribune)
Two huddles remain for Vikings to sign Adrian Peterson: Rookie running back Adrian Peterson has two hurdles remaining before he can join the Vikings next week in training camp: Signing a contract and passing one final physical exam on his mending leftcollarbone. Negotiations on Peterson's rookie deal remain in the early stages, and it is too early to know if a holdout is looming. As for his collarbone, coach Brad Childress said Peterson has suffered no setbacks but that his original rehabilitation plan always has included a late-summer evaluation." We'll have a final discussion on that," Childress said. "He hasn't had any backsteps, put it that way. Doing all your homework on it, it's not something you send back for a bone scan every day to see what it's doing." (Star-Tribune)
It's a fan favorite for NCAA College Football fans, to gather the friends and start the game strategy. It's NCAA Football '08 by EA Sports. In the latest advertising campaign, former sooner, Adrian Peterson, promotes (see below) the latest version of NCAA Football -- David vs. Goliath. NCAA Football '08 is set to be available July 17th on PS3, XBOX360, XBOX and PS2.
Adrian Peterson day celebrated in Palestine: Peterson, a Palestine High School graduate and Heisman Trophy runner-up at Oklahoma, recently was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft."Adrian is our light, he's our sunshine here," event organizer Carol Pegues said. "We are just honoring him because he's brought some real joy to our city. We watched him from high school, college and now professionally."The event will include a 10 a.m. parade beginning at the Anderson County Courthouse and ending in Old Town Palestine, and a presentation at Wildcat Stadium.Peterson will be given a proxy to the city at the presentation, during which June 23 will be declared "Adrian Peterson Day.""(Adrian) has really put Palestine on the map," Pegues said. "Everybody is really excited about it. Adrian has pulled Palestine together."Expected to attend the event are former Palestine head coach Jeff Harrell and representatives from Oklahoma and the Vikings, Pegues said. (TylerPaper.com)
Peterson expects to arrive at camp on time: Adrian Peterson recently discussed the status of his contract, and arriving on time at camp.: "I feel like I'll be in camp on time. My agent, Ben Dogra, he does a great job. I hope there's no problem. I don't see any problem coming," Peterson said. "It's very important for me to go out and help my team. And help us reach our goals." (KSTP.com)
Oklahoma announces kickoff times, OU-North Texas 6:00 FSN, OU-Utah State 2:30 TBD: Two more game times have been set for University of Oklahoma football games in 2007. Currently, four starting times have been set for the season. The Sooners' Sept. 1 season opener with North Texas has been picked up by FOX Sports Net and will begin at 6 p.m. OU's third game, a Sept. 15th contest against Utah State, has been set for 2:30 p.m. Television details for that game are yet to be completed. The Utah State game is still available for network pick-up. If the game is not selected, it is likely to be televised on a pay-per-view basis. (SoonerSports PR)
Adrian Peterson day June 23, in Palestine, TX: Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson will have another day in the sun. Palestine, Texas, mayor Caroline Salter announced June 23 as "Adrian Peterson Day.” A parade through Peterson's hometown is planned. The City of Palestine will have a presentation ceremony at Wildcat Stadium, where Peterson starred as a high school player and attracted recruiters from the elite college football programs in the country. He spent three years at OU, then was the Minnesota Vikings' No. 1 draft choice in April. "We're excited about Adrian Peterson returning to his hometown to receive recognition from the city,” Salter told the Palestine Herald-Press. "We look forward to him having a wonderful career in the National Football League and seeing his career reflect in a positive way on his hometown.” The Palestine Herald-Press said Peterson will attend the celebration. (NewsOK.com)
Sooners pick up pair of 2008 commitments: Just moments ago on RivalsRadio Metuchen, N.J. four-star wide receiver Dejuan Miller made the choice between his long-time top three, Oklahoma, Penn State, and in-state Rutgers. The 6-foot-6, 207-pound receiver has made repeated trips to each of his top three over the last few months and on Thursday was finally ready to announce a public decision. "A couple weeks ago, I talked to Coach Stoops and Coach Sumlin and I made my decision and I am officially going to be a Sooner," Miller said on RivalsRadio with Bill King... Casey Walker: One of the rising prospects in the Lone Star State this spring has been Garland, Texas defensive tackle Casey Walker. After attending a camp this past weekend, he came home, discussed things over wit his family, and made his decision. The 6-foot-2, 303-pounder had picked up offers from schools such as Arizona, Boise State, Colorado, Ole Miss, TCU, and Wisconsin among others. After heading to Oklahoma's camp this weekend, he decided to get the process out of the way before the summer. "I just did," Walker said about his commitment. "I'm going to Oklahoma. I committed this morning. I went to their junior day, I went to their camp last year, and then I was down there on Monday for their one-day camp. I came home, talked it over with my family and did it. (In part and more at Fox23.com)
No surgery for Adrian; expected in training camp: After dodging questions about his injury before and after the NFL draft, the Vikings announced Wednesday at Winter Park that running back Adrian Peterson's fractured left clavicle would heal naturally and in time for him to be completely healthy when training camp opens in Mankato in late July. After a CT scan confirmed his progress, Vikings team physician Dr. Joel Boyd and trainer Eric Sugarman fully explained to reporters the history of Peterson's injury, including the revelation that he re-broke the clavicle early in the Fiesta Bowl loss to Boise State. "I feel good," Peterson said. "It hasn't been giving me any problems. So it's good news." Peterson's shoulder had been the source of speculation and misinformation throughout the offseason, perhaps causing him to slip to the Vikings at No. 7. But Sugarman, Boyd, coach Brad Childress and vice president Rick Spielman provided a detailed timeline of how they arrived at Wednesday's announcement. (Pioneer Press)
Former OU Center Brahaney named to College HOF: From one of the most storied football programs in history, Tom Brahaney continues the legacy of outstanding Oklahoma players in the College Football Hall of Fame. Brahaney became the 23rd Sooner (18 players, five coaches) inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday. A two-time consensus First Team All-America ('71, '72), Brahaney was the hub of an offensive line that allowed the Sooners to lead the nation in rushing, scoring and total offense in 1971. The Midland, Texas, native was also a two-time All-Big-8 selection and a Lombardi Award finalist in 1972. Serving as team captain during his senior campaign, Brahaney's snap precision and unsurpassed one-on-one blocking earned him high acclaim -- even from archrivals. Following the 1971 "Game of the Century," Nebraska's Rich Glover, a 1995 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, called Brahaney the best center he played against all year. (SoonerSports.com)
Quote: Former Oklahoma QB Jack Mildren said of Brahaney, "Probably the best center in OU's history," said Mildren, Brahaney's 1971 quarterback. (More at OU's Brahaney named to college Hall at NewsOK.com)
ESPN.com NFL Analyst John Clayton on NFC's Big Questions:
Did the Vikings make a mistake passing on Brady Quinn? Last Saturday, the draft played out so well for the Vikings that they had the option of getting a franchise quarterback or a franchise running back. Quinn tempted them, but they went with Adrian Peterson. No one can argue about Peterson's talent. He's an angry runner and a great talent. Within a year, he should be among the elite backs in football. (More at ESPN.com)
Adrian Peterson takes questions as a Viking: Q: Well has it hit you that this is your first practice as a pro? Peterson A: Yeah, it's all sinking in. Just being out here and having that purple helmet on, representing the Vikings, it's tangible. It's finally here. Q: Have you had any contact with Coach Childress about your role in the offense yet? Peterson A: No, we already talked, but basically I'm another contributor to the team. I'm going to go out there and in whatever way help my team win championships and the Super Bowl. I'm just willing to take that and go with it. (More at SoonerSports.com) Sad News; Ex-Sooner Clayton's Uncle shot and killed: The uncle of former OU football player Mark Clayton was killed this weekend in what police believe was a gang-related shooting outside a northeast Oklahoma City club. About 1:30 a.m. Sunday, a group of men fired shots into the west parking lot of Boots and Saddles Club at NE 23 and Bryant Avenue. The shots killed Donald Lee Austin Jr., 46, Oklahoma City police Sgt. Paco Balderrama stated in a news release. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Questions about Peterson's collarbone remain: Peterson told reporters he was "pretty sure, eventually" a decision will have to be made regarding possible surgery to insert a plate in his left collarbone, which he broke October 14 and reinjured in Oklahoma's Fiesta Bowl loss Jan. 1. "Right now I'm just focusing on getting these plays in," Peterson said. "It's something you really have to study and put time in for to get these plays and the different terminology, the language. "(The collarbone) hasn't given me any problems so I'm just going to push right ahead." Vikings coach Brad Childress was pleased with Peterson's on-field performance, including his pass-catching and kickoff returns. (NewsOK.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Vikings issues rookies jersey numbers: The Vikings' draft picks all have been issued uniform numbers, some of which could eventually change. The number assignments: Running back Adrian Peterson, No. 28; linebacker Rufus Alexander, No. 57; (Star-Tribune)
Stoops defends his decision to play Peterson: Oklahoma's football coach shot back at critics who questioned his decision to play Adrian Peterson in the Fiesta Bowl, and a national newspaper that Stoops feels has misrepresented the facts about Rufus Alexander. The Minnesota Vikings selected both OU players in last weekend's NFL draft. But not before they were scrutinized by the media. Four days before Peterson was the seventh overall selection, SI.com reported that the former Sooner running back had reinjured his right collarbone in OU's loss to Boise State last January. That news brought questions about if Stoops should have held Peterson out of the Jan. 1 bowl game. "He was ready to play, according to the doctors and everybody else," Stoops said. "And he wanted to play." Stoops said he didn't learn until weeks later that Peterson had been hurt in the Fiesta Bowl. On the second day of the draft, Minnesota selected Alexander in the sixth round with the 176th overall pick. The OU linebacker had been projected as a second- or third-round selection by some NFL draft rating services. Stoops said there could be a variety of reasons why Alexander's stocked dropped. But he said Alexander's slide had nothing to do with questions about his character. In a second story about off-the-field issues hurting some players in the draft, a national newspaper reported Tuesday that a study of its list of those "100 prospects who drew scrutiny because of conduct issues indicates a couple (Rufus Alexander and Tarrell Brown) slipped significantly." (In parts and more at Tulsa World)
Discount for AD? Nelson Peterson, father of Vikings first-round draft pick Adrian Peterson, sells BMWs for an auto dealership in Oklahoma City. "I might give Adrian the 8 percent discount if he wants to buy one," Nelson said. Adrian can expect signing bonuses totaling nearly $15 million. (Pioneer Press)
No worries here: Vikings top draft pick running back Adrian Peterson, asked whether his tender collarbone affects him psychologically: "There's no worries in my head.". (Pioneer Press)
Peterson surgery to be determined; insist he'll be in minicamp next week: The Vikings are expected to determine in the coming days whether they want top draft pick Adrian Peterson to have a plate inserted into his collarbone to aid healing. Peterson and Vikings coach Brad Childress have insisted the running back will be ready for training camp and will participate in next weekend's rookie minicamp. But they have been less resolute on how they will handle Peterson's collarbone, which he re-injured during the Fiesta Bowl. "The situation is that my collarbone is healing, and it's not going to hold me back from anything," Peterson said Sunday. "I'm looking forward to being ready when the season starts." (Pioneer Press)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Stoops Quote on Peterson: Oklahoma's head coach Bob Stoops telling SoonerSports.com.. "We're very happy and proud for Adrian and his family," said OU head coach Bob Stoops. "He is such a competitive player and I appreciate so much what he brought to our program. He has great pride in the way he plays and he's extremely tough. "Those qualities rub off on the people around him. He has the kind of competitive spirit that elevates those around him. It means an awful lot to him that the entire team does well and I think that is probably his most under-appreciated quality. As much attention as he garnered here, he was always more concerned with being respected in the locker room. Being a good teammate matters a lot to him. He genuinely cares about the people around him." (SoonerSports.com)
Peterson Q&A: Q: Are you relieved that this process is over? Peterson A: I'm happy it's over. It's a dream come true no matter what. I keep thanking God. (NFL.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson falls to the Vikings at the seventh selection: After the Arizona Cardinals chose Penn State offensive tackle Levi Brown with the fifth pick and then the Washington Redskins selected LSU safety LaRon Landry, the Vikings pounced on Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson. The reaction from the 2007 Miller Lite Vikings Draft Party was emphatic and positive. After the Cardinals surprised a few people with the Brown pick and then Washington chose Landry, fans were chanting "AP! AP!" and went crazy when the pick was announced. Peterson is the best running back in this class and is perhaps the draft's most intriguing prospect. He has a tremendous combination of power and speed, affording him the ability to both run over and around defenders. He punishes defenders and scouts describe him as a violent runner. The knock on Peterson is his durability. (Vikings.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson's collarbone wasn't healed for the Fiesta Bowl? Peterson's father, Nelson, told the World in a phone interview Thursday the injury was a matter of semantics. "I wouldn't say reinjured," Nelson Peterson said. "I would just say it wasn't healed like it should have. And it's still in the healing process. "The way I look at that situation is that Adrian really shouldn't have played in that bowl game. But he wanted to play." (Tulsa World) Before they were stars: Rufus Alexander: Yahoo! Sports Dodds: Tradition kept Texas -OU in Dallas: Austin-American Statesman
Peterson reinjured collarbone but has rehealed: Newsday reports... Peterson acknowledged that he re-injured his collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl in January, but he insists there's nothing to be alarmed about."I got it checked out, and no one gave me any bad indications," he said. Even if Peterson requires a surgical procedure to insert a plate in his collarbone, it likely would not affect his availability for training camp. (NY Newsday)
Browns: Injury not a factor in Draft Status: General Manager Phil Savage said Thursday that the Browns don't think Adrian Peterson needs surgery at this time, and the fact he reinjured his broken collarbone in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day does not hurt his status with the team. "This has not affected our opinion of him for the draft," Savage said in an e-mail response. Peterson, the Oklahoma running back, is one of five players the Browns are considering with the No. 3 overall pick. Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, said Thursday that it's up to individual teams to determine whether or not Peterson will need surgery to insert a plate into the collarbone. If he does, Peterson will be out only four to six weeks, Dogra said. (Cleveland.com)
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Peterson reinjured shoulder not confirmed: The Oklahoman reports.. A source close to NFL personnel told The Oklahoman that he had not heard of a re-injury, but did acknowledge that there were issues concerning X-rays of Peterson's collarbone. (NewsOK.com) Follow-up from the prevously reported Report: Peterson's Re-Injured Shoulder, Could Be Out For NFL Off-Season.
University of Oklahoma football student season tickets on sale Tuesday: OU student season tickets for 2007 football will be on sale beginning Tuesday, May 1 and continue through Sunday, May 13. The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Season tickets can be purchased online at SoonerSports.com or in person at the OU Athletics Ticket Office. Student season tickets are $145 and will be charged to the student's bursar account. Tickets will be sold online at SoonerSports.com 24 hours a day during the sale beginning at 8 a.m. on May 1 and lasting through midnight on May 13 while supplies last. A $5 non-refundable fee will be associated with utilizing this service. Tickets can also be purchased in person by visiting the OU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the South Plaza Level of Asp Avenue Parking Garage. Walk-up windows sales begin at 10 a.m. on May 1 and will continue every business day through May 13 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (SoonerSportss PR)
Peterson has re-injured shoulder? The first, I have heard this.. If true, its been quiet.. the past few weeks and month... Former Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, an almost certain top-10 pick in the first round of Saturday's NFL draft, re-injured his collarbone in the Sooners' loss in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day -- an injury that has not been previously disclosed except to NFL teams. A high-level source on one team said the evaluation of his team's medical staff was that Peterson will require a surgical procedure, which would delay his availability at the start of training camp and perhaps longer. That team estimated Peterson would be sidelined after the procedure for "two or three months." That would likely mean Peterson would miss the entire offseason workouts of the team that drafted him and make him questionable for the early part of the preseason. (SI.com)
Nichol gains some mass/muscle: Keith Nichol, who left high school early to enroll at Oklahoma last January, has already packed on 21 pounds thanks to the Sooners' lifting and eating regime. But some things have not changed. The 6-foot-2, 206-pound Nichol is still a quality quarterback Just ask Kevin Wilson, the Sooners' offensive coordinator. "Keith exceeded our expectation," Wilson said. "In person, he is better than I thought he would be based on high school tape. He has a strong arm, a quick arm. He can move well, and he does a lot of natural instinctive things. We are very pleased with his ability. His physical skills lend you to think he is going to be very good. "In my opinion, his arm is the strongest arm I've seen since I have been here." (Grand Rapids Press)
SI's Mandel Spring Top 25: Sports Illustrated College Football writer, Stewart Mandel's spring college football power rankings. 1. USC 2. LSU 3. Florida 4. West Virginia University 5. Louisville 7. Texas 9. Oklahoma Redshirt freshman Sam Bradford appeared to separate himself from fellow contenders Joey Hazle and Keith Nichol in the QB race. OU is a veteran team, but several impressive youngsters emerged, including WR Adron Tennell, DB Dominique Franks and DT Gerald McCoy 13. Arkansas 18. Nebraska
ESPN.com SportsNation ask: Which NFL top prospect is likely to be a bust. Calvin Johnson: 4% Adrian Peterson: 12% Brady Quinn: 40% JaMarcus Russell: 34% Joe Thomas: 10% Nearly 6700 Votes
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Adrian Peterson agent charged with bribery and theft: A marketing agent representing former Oklahoma Sooner running back Adrian Peterson is facing felony charges of commercial bribery and theft. Bill Henkel, managing director of 10 Sports Marketing, turned himself in to the Johnson County, Kan., sheriff's office on Friday, deputy Tom Erickson said. Henkel posted $10,000 bond and was released the same day. The charges are related to a sports memorabilia deal that Henkel, the former football marketing director of International Management Group's football division, negotiated involving San Diego Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson, the Johnson County prosecutor's office said. In August 2005, Henkel allegedly solicited a kickback for a marketing deal involving the Pro Bowl running back, then received a portion of the kickback without the knowledge of Tomlinson or IMG. A complaint issued by the district attorney's office places the value of the theft between $1,000 and $25,000. "To make it clear, there are no charges against LaDainian Tomlinson," said Brian Burgess, a spokesman for the district attorney's office. (AP/SI.com)
AD on the cover of Sports Illustrated: Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson is featured on the cover of the April 30 issue of Sports Illustrated. The magazine will be available on newstands April 25. Peterson is expected to be selected in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Oklahoma has produced a first-round pick in the last five drafts beginning with Roy Williams in 2002. (SoonerSports PR)
Did you know? The Sooners have had some terrific running backs through the years. But only Greg Pruitt (5,672) and Billy Sims (5,106) surpassed 5,000 career rushing yards as a pro, with Joe Washington finishing at 4,839. (NewsOK.com)
Peterson part of the Nike Rookie class of 2007: Nike continues its legacy of outstanding football talent with the addition of nine collegiate football All-Americans and top professional prospects to its roster, and the introduction of the players' first advertising and marketing campaign with the Nike brand. Adrian Peterson finished his career with 4,045 yards along with 42 touchdowns. During his four years, Peterson was named to the All-American team as well as rushing for nearly 2,000 yards during his freshman season.
Oklahoma Sooner Football Articles and Notes Bob Stoops Q&A: Q: Can you analyze how your three quarterbacks played in the spring? Stoops: I thought they got better through the spring. They all have shown the ability to make the throws we need and the decisions we need, but early on in the spring they would make some poor decisions here and there that obviously hurt them and hurt the offense. I think you only get that stinging feeling by doing it. Early on in spring they made some of those, along with the good throws, and I think they learned from it. Q: Has one quarterback emerged over the other two? Stoops: No. (More at Tulsa World) Pendleton recognized: They called the ceremony at the Oklahoma Memorial Union on Tuesday morning the Max Weitzenhoffer Scholar Athlete Breakfast. A better idea would have been the "Carl Pendleton Show." "Carl, would you please stand again?" OU president David Boren asked from the dais. "I know you just gave the invocation." Pendleton stood so he could be recognized for the $23,000 post-graduate scholarship he earned last fall, a reward that allowed him to leave OU's football team after his junior season to concentrate on more important things. Important things like the next three times he was recognized Tuesday morning -- for winning the Athletic Director's Leadership Award, the Conference Medal and the Sooner Schooner Scholastic Award. (Tulsa World) Peterson has no doubt he's worthy of a top pick: ESPN.com NFL will be lucky to have classy Peterson in its league: SI.com
OU meets with NCAA Committee: During a break Saturday morning, Brian Halloran wandered over to a small group of reporters and asked for the inside scoop: Who would win Oklahoma's quarterback battle? Halloran, a member of the NCAA's Committee on Infractions, politely declined to return the favor and answer reporters' questions. But the brief exchange might be of some encouragement to OU officials, who met with the infractions committee for more than four hours behind closed doors. Afterward, OU president David Boren said the school received "a fair chance” to answer charges of major rules violations involving football players' employment at Big Red Sports and Imports. And Halloran's question might lend credence to Boren's contention that the infractions committee appreciated the impact of OU's quick action when it discovered three players were paid for work they did not perform. Rhett Bomar's dismissal last summer led to the current quarterback quandary. "I think they have a good understanding of the harshness of the penalties,” Boren said. OU's official party, which numbered about a dozen, included coach Bob Stoops, athletic director Joe Castiglione and director of football operations Merv Johnson. (In part and more at NewsOK.com) Washington Keynote speaker: Joe Washington says he always welcomes any chance to get back to Oklahoma. But this one will be extra special. Washington, the former University of Oklahoma running back and College Football Hall of Famer, is the keynote speaker at Friday's annual Awards and Scholarship Gala of the 100 Black Men of Tulsa. The banquet starts at 7 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown. (Tulsa World) Peterson thinks the Brown will draft him: Adrian Peterson on where he thinks he'll be drafted: "My gut feeling? Cleveland at three. Sitting down with them [coach Romeo Crennel, GM Phil Savage], I get the feeling they're very, very interested. I would love it there. The fans in Cleveland are the closest to college fans in the NFL. I love the Dawg Pound. I think I can be a franchise back and really help the Browns turn it around.'' (SI.com)
