Is OU’s star junior running back leaving for professional football?
About 25 members of the media, who gathered in the Kerr-McGee Club at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, were told by OU Sports Information Director Kenny Mossman before the news conference that Peterson would not answer that question or any other pertaining to his future beyond this season.
Instead, Peterson discussed how he broke his collarbone by diving into the end zone Saturday against Iowa State, how he felt afterward and how soon he might be able to play again.
Peterson said doctors have told him he will be out four to six weeks, which, at best, would have him back before OU plays Baylor on Nov. 18. However, OU athletic medical trainer Scott Anderson said the course of the injury is expected to take six weeks.
“I’m praying each night for a speedy recovery,” Peterson said in his first public appearance since suffering the injury. “I’ll enjoy going out there to play with the guys and be back on the field.
“I don’t know how soon it will be, but I’m looking forward to playing, so don’t be surprised.”
Anderson said Peterson generally has healed relatively quickly with his past injuries. Peterson suffered a high ankle sprain last season and missed part or all of four games. He dislocated his left shoulder twice as a freshman in 2004.
“Adrian’s always had a great capacity for recovery from the injuries he’s had,” Anderson said. “And certainly, he’s motivated.”
Peterson was on pace to become OU’s all-time leading rusher this season and now is 150 yards behind Billy Sims for that honor.
Playing in just one game might be enough for Peterson who has averaged 155.8 yards per game this season, to reach the record.
“That’s something pretty cool,” Peterson said of the possibility of breaking Sims’ record. “It’s not something that I’m just focusing on. If anything, (coming back this season) would be to go out there and play the game I love - just have fun.”
Peterson was injured at the end of a 53-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter Saturday. Iowa State defensive back Chris Singleton clipped Peterson’s left leg as he neared the goal line.
Peterson stumbled before falling into the end zone. He landed hard on his left shoulder, which caused the break.
He said Wednesday that he knew immediately that something was “seriously wrong” after he hit the ground.
The game was supposed to be special for Peterson, whose father, Nelson, was in the stands. Nelson Peterson went to prison in 1998 for laundering drug money and had not attended one of his son’s games since Adrian was 12 years old.
“It was a very exciting time for me,” Peterson said of his father’s presence. “It was one of the first times coming out, running out (before the game), trying to find somebody in the stands. It was emotional.”
Prev
