Adrian Peterson Doesn’t Want His Sons Playing Running Back Due to Pay Issues

Adrian Peterson, one the greatest running backs in NFL history, stated that he does not want his sons to follow in his footsteps on the gridiron.

While appearing on RG3 and The Ones with Robert Griffin III, former standout running back Adrian Peterson stated that he does not want his sons to play his position on the gridiron.

Peterson, who recently expressed a desire to play in the NFL again at the age of 38, highlighted the inability of today’s NFL running backs to be paid fair salaries as heavily factoring into his desire for his sons not to take up the position.

"I really feel like these guys, for the sacrifices they make playing that position, they should definitely be getting paid amongst some of the highest paid players on the team,” said Peterson. “It's a brutal position, man. I do not want my boys to play that position."

NFL great Adrian Peterson says he doesn’t want his sons following in his footsteps as running backs :: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Instead, if his sons develop desires to step in between the white lines, he wants them to choose a position on the field where they have the potential to make more money while being exposed to less frequent serious injuries.

“If they wanna play football, hey, be a receiver, right? Be an outside linebacker. Do something different,” added Peterson. “You got 11 guys coming at you, and you are blocking the best players—linebackers, defensive tackles and defensive ends. We block everybody.”

Adrian Peterson doesn't want his sons playing running back pic.twitter.com/Jwb59ySC83

— Outta Pocket with RGIII (@OuttaPocketRG3) October 27, 2023

Peterson said running backs deserve to be paid among the highest in the sport—especially during the prime years of their career.

“Pay us what we’re due, you know what I’m saying? Especially when we are being productive.”

The former No. 7 pick in the 2007 NFL draft, Peterson ranks fifth in NFL history in rushing yards (14,918) and fourth in all-time rushing touchdowns (120), while holding the NFL record for the most rushing yards in a single game (296).