Vikings projected to Hall of Fame from current roster
By Adam Carlson
ESPN took a look at all 32 teams around the National Football League to see who from each roster, including the Vikings, could end up in the Hall of Fame.
With the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony right around the corner, ESPN took the opportunity to look at the players who still put on their pads and lace up their shoes to see who on each roster has the potential to land in Canton, Ohio.
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Looking over the roster for the Minnesota Vikings in the article titled Projecting future Hall of Famers for all 32 NFL teams, ESPN staff writer Bill Barnwell saw two players who currently play for the Vikings who could find themselves in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when their careers are over.
Barnwell’s highest odds went to running back Adrian Peterson. As a former NFL Most Valuable Player and 3 time rushing leader with 7 Pro Bowls, 7 first or second team All Pros, and the single game rushing record, it’s pretty safe to say that he’ll be among the legends one day.
"Adrian Peterson was going to the Hall of Fame the moment the 2012 season ended. 99 percent chance"
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That one percent chance of refusal has to be due to the off the field stuff that has made Peterson a controversial figure in the sports world. However, unless something else pops up during his NFL career, that shouldn’t be enough to keep him from being enshrined.
The other choice Barnwell made is a hopeful one.
"Harrison Smith has made one Pro Bowl in four seasons; he likely deserved to go in 2014, but that’s out of his control. Playing in the same conference as Earl Thomas is unfair. 1-10 percent chance"
The fact Barnwell can look at Harrison Smith and see a player with a chance at going in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is great. Fans of the Vikings have been enamoured by his great play over the years and the rest of the football loving world just recently seems to have been turned on to his aggressive play style.
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What do you think? Did Barnwell miss any other potential Pro Football Hall of Fame caliber players from the Minnesota Vikings? Do you disagree with either of his choices? Let us know in the comments below.