As Adrian Peterson enters Vikings’ Ring of Honor, one game remains on his mind

Even days before his induction into the Vikings’ Ring of Honor , running back Adrian Peterson is still thinking about one major “what if” from his 10-year career in Minnesota. His tone shifts as he recounts the 2009 NFC title game, which the Vikings lost 31-28 to the New Orleans Saints. Peterson rushed for 122 yards — his fourth 100-yard game of the season — and three touchdowns on 25 carries. The Vikings “dominated in every category,” that game, as Peterson recalls, outside the turnover battle. Advertisement “We had just missed a chance to go to the Super Bowl,” said Peterson, who was in his third season at the time. “In that moment, I never thought we wouldn’t have the chance to make it back. Now, I sit here and I’m just like, ‘Man. What if?’ ” The Vikings will add Peterson, the 2012 NFL MVP and four-time first-team All Pro, to their Ring of Honor on Monday night during halftime of their game against the Bills at U.S. Bank Stadium . Peterson will be the 29th member of the team’s Ring of Honor. His enshrinement comes ahead of him being eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time in 2027. Expanded image view Adrian Peterson (28), who was named a first-team All-Pro four times, will be inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor on Monday night. ( Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune ) Adrian Peterson recalls record-setting moments with Vikings Peterson’s recollection of the NFC title game was the sole somber moment of a call with local media Wednesday ahead of the ceremony. He was sure to counter it with a happy game memory: The Vikings’ 35-17 win over the then-San Diego Chargers in Peterson’s rookie season.