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The Minnesota Vikings drafted Adrian Peterson (03/21/85) as the 7th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He is known for his downhill running style, destroying opposing defenders on the way down.
Adrian Peterson Rookie Year Stats: 14 games | 1341 yards rushing | 5.6 yards per attempt | 268 yards receiving | 13 total TDs
SHOP THE BEST ADRIAN PETERSON ROOKIE CARDS ON EBAY
He was an ABSOLUTE BEAST at the University of Oklahoma, running for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns in 3 years. In his freshman year, he averaged a mind-blowing 5.7 yards per carry on 339 attempts (both college career highs).
- Investment Rating: Moderate Buy
- Ownership Disclosure: None
- Best Adrian Peterson RCs: 2007 Topps Chrome RC #TC181 (shop ebay now)
He continued his BEAST MODE ways in the NFL. He holds several league records, including the most rushing yards in a single gam
e (297) way back in 2007… he was also named the 2012 NFL MVP.
Peterson bounced around the NFL as he suited up for various teams. He played for the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions and always provided a steady veteran presence.
Due to his lengthy and successful career, Peterson is a lock to eventually make the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He’s one of the most iconic players of his generation and holds multiple NFL records, including the most rushing yards in a game with 296 against the San Diego Chargers in 2007.
We’ve come up with a list of three of the best Adrian Peterson rookie cards on the market, along with an investment report looking at the next few seasons as he enters the final chapter of his playing career.
The Best Adrian Peterson Rookie Cards
Peterson’s rookie cards were released in 2007, the perfect time for collectors looking for autographs, jersey patches, and low serial numbers. Here’s a list of three of the most popular options based on recent auction data.
2007 Adrian Peterson Upper Deck Exquisite Collection RC Auto Patch /99 /25 #133 (SHOP EBAY)
The most prestigious Peterson RC by a large margin, his 2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection comes with an on-card auto, a large patch, and a small serial number found at the base of the card. They’ve managed to fit everything in by opting for landscape design, which doesn’t feel cluttered.
The UD brand is always popular with collectors, so it’s the one to keep an eye out for if you’re looking for the best. However, it’s also reflected in the overall price.
2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Parallels: Gold /25
2007 Adrian Peterson Topps Chrome RC #TC181 (SHOP EBAY)
The 2007 Topps Chrome is an exciting card that is also the most affordable on the list overall. As well as strong branding, it’s probably the strongest base Peterson RC overall for several reasons.
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It features a stenciled image of Peterson on the move with a football under one arm, with a sleek background that ensures that all of the focus is on the player. There’s a unique RC logo found on the top left corner, topped off with a simple, filled background. Meanwhile, Refractor versions are difficult to find, especially in good condition due to problems with poor centering. As they have white corners, you’ll also have to watch out for any dings as they’re instantly identifiable.
2007 Adrian Peterson SP Authentic Auto Jersey /399 RC #289 (SHOP EBAY)
A great landscape card, the 2007 SP Authentic should be on your radar if the Upper Deck release isn’t your style. It might not have the lowest serial number compared to the likes of the UD card at 399, but it’s still rare enough to make it valuable, thanks to the power of the SP brand.
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It has a luxurious on-card auto at the bottom, with a patch to the right and an image showing Peterson sprinting in complete kit on the left. There’s also a second profile picture of the player smiling down at the camera with his helmet removed.
Honorable Mention Adrian Peterson Best Rookie Card
While this card didn’t quite make our list for the top three, it’s still a perfect rookie card where investors can potentially make a significant return on their initial investment.
2007 Adrian Peterson Score RC #341
This is another card from Peterson’s rookie season that wasn’t quite good enough to crack the top three. It has a great shot of Peterson in action with the ball tucked under his right arm, left arm at the ready to stiff-arm a helpless defender. On the left side of the card is a graphic that denotes this as an official Peterson rookie card.
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While this card has no special features such as an on-card autograph or a game-worn jersey patch, it’s similar to the Topps Chrome edition listed above in that the strong branding gives it value. These cards are worth something in good condition, and collectors should be on the lookout constantly for any underpriced online listings.
Checklist
- 2006 Playoff NFL Playoff 2007 Preview RC #P-2
- 2007 SP Authentic RC #289
- 2007 Adrian Peterson Rookie Card Score #341
- 2007 Bowman Chrome #BC65
- 2007 Topps Chrome RC #TC181
- 2007 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection RC Auto Patch /99 /25 #133
- 2007 Finest Moments Rookie Card #RFMAP
- 2007 Topps Triple Threads Sapphire #123
- 2007 Topps Turn Back The Clock Auto RC Autograph Rookie Card 9 of 22
- 2007 Topps Draft Picks Auto RC /100 #135
- 2007 Topps Draft Picks Chrome-Black #135
- 2007 Finest Football RC #112
- 2007 Topps Chrome Xfractor Rookie #TC181
- 2007 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor #TC181
- 2007 Upper Deck Premiere RC #21
- 2007 Topps Rookie Premiere #RPA-AP
- 2007 SP Chirography Gold Auto #101
- 2007 Upper Deck Rookie Exclusives #279
- 2007 Press Pass SE Game Day Gear Jerseys Silver #AP
- 2007 National Treasures Adrian Peterson Rookie Card #101
- 2007 Donruss Adrian Peterson Gridiron Gear Gems rookie card
Adrian Peterson Rookie Card Value
The most expensive Adrian Peterson rookie card is the 2007 Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch #133.
If you are thinking about buying an “All Day” rookie card but would like advice, please DM us on the Gold Card Auctions Facebook Page or email us at advice@goldcardauctions.com.
Investment Outlook
First off, Peterson hit the headlines for the wrong reasons when he pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge of recklessly assaulting his four-year-old son in 2014. It’s a dark cloud that will likely hang over him in the long-term, while he was suspended during the 2014 season because of the saga.
On a lighter note, he was handed a career-low Madden 21 rating, which is a clear downswing from his cover star status back in 2014. There’s no denying that he’s lost a step compared to his prime, but he hopes to play on for at least four more seasons according to a recent interview with TMZ.
Despite injuries plaguing his 2016 season, he’s put in good numbers for the Redskins in the last two years, having run for 1,940 yards and 12 touchdowns. It could lead to an attempt at the all-time rushing record, which would undoubtedly cement his legacy as an ATG RB.
His rookie card options are plentiful, while signed editions with low serial numbers make them enticing for collectors and investors that want to add a copy or two to hold as a long-term investment. He’ll have to retire one day, and the prices of his rarest RCs will likely have jumped by that point.