Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament: (1) Adrian Peterson vs (4) Chuck Foreman

Our Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament continues today, ladies and gentlemen, as we kick off the Sweet 16! In our first match-up to see who fills out our Elite 8, the two men that you, our readers, have determined to be the two best running backs in Minnesota Vikings history go mano-a-mano.

Adrian Peterson

Alma Mater: University of Oklahoma
Acquired by Vikings: Round 1, 2007 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 6 (2007-2012)
Position: Running back
How He Got Here: Defeated Ed Sharockman 140-6 in Round 1; Defeated Zygi Wilf 226-3 in Round 2

There really aren't a lot of things that can be said about Adrian Peterson that haven't been said already. Through just six seasons as a member of the Vikings, he already leads the team in every significant rushing category with 8,849 career yards (already more than 2,000 yards clear of Robert Smith, who stands in second place) and 76 touchdowns. He's a five-time NFL All-Pro (every year except 2011), a two-time NFL rushing champion, a two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, a former NFL Rookie of the Year, holder of the NFL's single-game rushing record with 296 yards against the Chargers on 5 November 2007, and he's the reigning Most Valuable Player. If he can stay healthy, he truly has a chance to establish himself among the all-time greats at his position, and in the sport overall.

Chuck Foreman

Alma Mater: University of Miami (FL)
Acquired by Vikings: Round 1, 1973 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 7 (1973-1979)
Position: Running back
How He Got Here: Defeated Ed White 168-18 in Round 1; Defeated Robert Smith 159-30 in Round 2

Chuck Foreman's career with the Minnesota Vikings got off to a very nice start, as he was named the 1973 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Not just a great runner, he actually led the National Football League in receptions in 1975. In that 1975 season, he also finished second in the NFC in rushing yards with 1,070 and managed to find the end zone 22 times (13 on the ground, 9 through the air). He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro, playing in three of Minnesota's four Super Bowl appearances. He also held the team record for rushing touchdowns in a career with 52 until Adrian Peterson came along.

If you need a primer on how the voting for our contest works, we have one for you at this link here. Remember, rec the comments to register your vote. Putting "Vote - Name" in the subject line of a post does not count.

If you want to vote for Adrian Peterson, rec the comment that says "Vote - Adrian Peterson"
If you want to vote for Chuck Foreman, rec the comment that says "Vote - Chuck Foreman"

Voting is open for 24 hours, just like always, folks. Have at it!