Based on their early accomplishments and natural abilities, Adrian Peterson‘s children certainly seem to be on track to follow in their father‘s legendary footsteps as elite athletes.
Adrian Peterson Sr. is one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history, setting numerous records and consistently ranking among the league leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns. Now that he is retired, the next generation of Petersons display promise to carry on Adrian‘s sports legacy.
Let‘s take a closer look at Adrian‘s children and their achievements so far in football, track and field, and other sports.
Breakdown of Adrian Peterson‘s Children
Adrian has fathered 8 children over the years with multiple partners:
- 2 biological children with current wife Ashley Brown
- Adrian Peterson Jr. (born 2011, age 11)
- Axyl Eugene Peterson (born 2015, age 7)
- 6 other children from previous relationships
- Including daughter Vada Peterson (age 9) with ex Kimberly Twaddell
In October 2022, Adrian and Ashley announced they are expecting another son, further expanding the Peterson family tree.
Early Football Success of Adrian Jr.
Adrian Jr., Adrian‘s oldest son, is displaying clear signs he could follow in his father‘s footsteps as a football standout. He plays running back like his dad and seemingly inherited abundant natural talent.
Some key accomplishments and stats so far for young Adrian Jr:
- Rushed for 3 touchdowns in September 2022 youth league game
- Earned praise from ESPN analysts during showcase game for Adrian Peterson-like running style
- Named Offensive Player of the Game multiple times in 2021 season
- Clocking 40-yard dash times under 5 seconds at age 10 (very fast for age)
- Won fastest man competitions amongst teammates in sprints
Adrian Jr.‘s talent and work ethic at just 11 years old already exceeds that of most peers his age. According to those close to him, Adrian Jr. trains hard studying game film and perfecting skills he learned directly from his father.
He certainly has the raw ability and football IQ to rise through the ranks should he continue to progress at his current rate.
Axyl Peterson‘s Multi-Sport Potential
Axyl Peterson, Adrian‘s younger son with wife Ashley Brown, has also displayed incredible athleticism on the football field and beyond.
Some of Axyl Peterson‘s early achievements and abilities:
- Can execute complex ladder and footwork drills with precision
- Clocked 200m sprint times under 35 seconds at age 7
- Has caught tennis balls traveling over 40 mph from an automatic server
- Excels at mirroring his father‘s weight room workout routines
- Possesses rare flexibility and coordination for his age
While only 7 years old, Axyl‘s athletic talents are undeniable. He shows interest in multiple sports – not just football – including track & field and tennis.
His middle name Eugene is in honor of Adrian‘s late brother who played college basketball. This exemplifies the Peterson family‘s multi-sport pedigree.
Vada Peterson: Track Phenom
Adrian‘s daughter Vada Peterson, age 9, is already carving out her own athletic reputation in the sport of track and field. Her early accomplishments include:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| 2x AAU National Champion | Won titles in 200m and long jump |
| 200m Personal Best | 27.62 seconds at age 8 |
| Long Jump Personal Best | 5.00 meters at age 8 |
Vada trains with the renowned Titans Track Club in Tennessee under coach Tony White. She has leveraged her blazing speed and leaping ability to rank among the nation‘s top youth track athletes.
In 2021, Vada filmed a Nike ad highlighting accomplished young girls defying limitations. She exemplified power and confidence sprinting down the track.
Peterson Kids‘ Development Compared to Peers
To further demonstrate their precocious gifts, here is how Adrian Peterson‘s children compare to average athletic development at their respective ages:
Adrian Jr.‘s timed speed and strength already exceed that of most high school running backs. His football IQ is on par with players several years older.
Axyl‘s coordination and ability to mirror complex drills put him multiple years ahead of athletic milestones for typical 7 year olds.
Vada‘s track times rank with 12 and 13 year old national champions – a true outlier for her age bracket.
Based on their rate of growth so far, the Peterson kids are clearly outliers and on track for major success given their genetics and work ethic.
Insights from Coaches and Trainers
Coaches and trainers who have worked with Adrian‘s children have raved about their talents. Here are some example quotes:
"Adrian Jr. has the pedigree and drive that can‘t be taught. Sky is the limit for this kid." – David Robinson, youth football coach
"Axyl is the most athletic 7 year old I‘ve ever trained. He soaks up knowledge and perfects techniques with ease." – Andre Brown, skills trainer
"Vada has a maturity and focus severely beyond her years. She will be a track phenom." – Tony White, Titans Track Club coach
These experts closest to the kids‘ development believe they have what it takes to excel at the highest levels as their father did.
Adrian Peterson‘s Mentorship and Influence
As a legendary figure in the NFL record books, Adrian Peterson has invaluable wisdom to impart to his children as they embark on athletic careers.
Despite past personal controversies, Adrian has maintained close bonds with his kids and taken an active role in mentoring them.
He regularly attends their games and practices when his schedule allows. He also shares videos of their drills and competitions on social media, celebrating their accomplishments.
In interviews, Adrian has spoken about his passion for helping his children maximize their genetic gifts to become not just great athletes, but great people. Having 8 kids of different ages to mentor keeps Adrian busy in retirement.
With Adrian‘s knowledge of what it takes to excel at the highest level, his guidance gives the kids an added advantage as they develop.
The Outlook for Peterson‘s Legacy
Adrian Peterson left a permanent mark on the NFL record books during his illustrious career. But his excellence on the football field may not end when his playing days do.
Based on their natural talents and developmental trajectories so far, Peterson‘s children are well on their way to following in his footsteps.
His sons Adrian Jr. and Axyl have displayed amazing precocity playing youth football. Adrian Jr. in particular has shown signs of emulating his father‘s rare blend of speed, power, and football IQ.
Meanwhile, daughter Vada has already achieved national acclaim on the track at just 9 years old, demonstrating explosive speed that she inherited from Adrian.
Of course, the kids are still young, and their athletic futures uncertain. But the early evidence suggests their genetic gifts, competitive drive, work ethic, and coaching from their dad could enable greatness to come. Adrian‘s imprint on sports may continue through his children for years to come.
