In the end, it came down to business for Peterson

By John Helsley,

Published: January 16, 2007

NORMAN – Oklahoma tugged at Adrian Peterson's heart. Peterson's mind, however, felt the pull of the NFL.

Waging a wrestling match between the two, finally Peterson's head won over heart.

The Sooner running back, just hours before the deadline for underclassmen to declare, announced Monday he was foregoing his senior season at OU to make himself available for the upcoming NFL draft.

The declaration, revealed in a statement through the university, ended what those close to Peterson described as a "trying” decision.

"The last few days have been stressful,” Peterson said in the statement. "I've been pondering a lot of things and looking at it from all the different angles, weighing the good and the bad.

"In the end, I think I just realized that this is a business decision and that it is time for me to take that next step. It wasn't easy. I haven't been sleeping much. I just put it all in God's hands.”

A likely top 10 pick according to early draft projections, Peterson stands to make millions.

Mario Williams, last year's No. 1 pick of the Texans, signed a contract that guaranteed him $26.5 million. The 10th pick, Arizona's Matt Leinart, got a deal worth $15 million in guaranteed money.

In the end, as Peterson said, that kind of cash computes.

"Physically, I feel like I am ready and the business aspect makes sense, too,” Peterson said.

OU coach Bob Stoops played a part in the decision, gathering information from NFL officials concerning Peterson's draft status. Those officials made it clear that Peterson was a top 10 pick.

Most analysts rank him as the top back in the draft, with only California's Marshawn Lynch challenging that tag. Noted ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. lists Peterson as the No. 6 player on his "Big Board.”

Among the teams at the top of the draft, Cleveland and Houston figure to seeking an upgrade at running back. Cleveland selects either third or fourth, depending on a coin flip with Tampa Bay. The Texans draft at No. 8.

Peterson doesn't project to last beyond No. 8.

Knowing that, Stoops has no qualms with Peterson leaving early.

"I'm all for it,” Stoops told ESPN. "He's been great for us. He's been fun to watch compete. In the end, there's another life for him.”

Peterson's own fun at Oklahoma is what made his decision so difficult.

"The NFL is a dream he's always had,” said Adrian's father, Nelson Peterson. "But he's enjoyed playing the game of college football. He's enjoyed his time at OU.”

A popular teammate, Peterson earned respect with a work ethic and competitive nature that drove him to be first in every game, every practice, every weight room workout and every sprint.

"That's an on- and off-the-field thing,” said wide receiver Malcolm Kelly.

Friendships are part of what made such a seemingly sure and sensible decision difficult.

"I came in with all these guys and I think a lot about the relationships we've built and the hard work we've put in together,” Peterson said.

And for the ultra-competitive Peterson, there was the regret of unfinished business.

No national championship.

No Heisman Trophy.

No school rushing record.

"There were some things that we didn't accomplish,” Peterson said. "I didn't really do all of the things I set out to do.

"Those things, the guys and the love for college football were things I thought about.”

Said Stoops: "I bet even today, even after saying it, he still has his reservations because of loyalty reasons. Loyalty to his goals and to his teammates.”

At least Peterson ended his career on a highlight, a 25-yard bolt for a touchdown run that gave the Sooners a brief overtime lead over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. He leaves OU as the school's No. 3 career rusher with 4,045 career yards, just 26 behind second-place Joe Washington and 73 behind all-time leader Billy Sims.