Adrian Peterson talks about falling just short of rushing record

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson finished the season nine yards short of the NFL season rushing record, and he had one person on his mind afterward: Eric Dickerson, the man who still has the record.

“I know Eric Dickerson is feeling so good right now,” Peterson said with a chuckle. “But God willing, I’ll get it next year.”

Peterson’s run for the record was even more remarkable when you consider he tore ligaments in his left knee last season, an injury that is difficult for a running back to return from.

Peterson gained 199 yards Sunday and finished the 2012 season with 2,097 yards rushing. Eric Dickerson’s mark of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the L.A. Rams, remains the season rushing record.

“Ultimately we got the ‘W,’ ” Peterson said, referencing the Vikings’ victory over Green Bay, which put them into the playoffs. “We said during the week, if it happens, it happens. Don’t focus on it.”

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