Since Adrian Peterson last played for the Minnesota Vikings in 2016, his number 28 has remained unused.
That’s apparently set to change.
The Vikings added to their receiving corps on Sunday, signing N’Keal Harry. Shortly thereafter, it was announced that Henry would wear No. 28.
Minnesota Vikings WR N'Keal Harry (@NkealHarry15) is wearing number 28. #Skol pic.twitter.com/dqtv65mphB
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) August 6, 2023
Some observers pointed out that, with the rosters currently at 90 men, the available numbers are limited.
look there aren't enough numbers in camp, a bunch have already been retired and there are 90 players to hand numbers to https://t.co/eX2KHtRA2i
— Arif Hasan, but NFL 🏈 (@ArifHasanNFL) August 6, 2023
90 man rosters are big and they already have 10, 80, and 88 retired.
His options were 4, 28, or 81. https://t.co/UJdHlLmWTJ
— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) August 6, 2023
It is true that with 90-man rosters, teams can’t afford to be too picky with uniform numbers. This is especially true when three of the eligible number are officially retired.
So, Harry wearing No. 28 may be more of a practical necessity than anything else. If that is the case, then he’ll likely have a different number if he makes the 53-man roster.
Still, Peterson’s number being given away did not sit well with a lot of people.
Letting a wide receiver wear Adrian Peterson's number should be considered treason https://t.co/6jel1TyjsB
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) August 6, 2023
https://t.co/NbEyWyQMBE pic.twitter.com/LzOs7rsEeU
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) August 6, 2023
So they gave N’Keal Harry, Adrain Petersons number 🙄 https://t.co/60KAmBQOtf
— Shane (@shane_0415) August 6, 2023
The is an absolute insult to Adrian Peterson and I forbid the Minnesota @Vikings from allowing it… https://t.co/UidLtMnqGp
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) August 6, 2023
Wtf 😂 https://t.co/K8NaMVGtdc
— Sadeek 🪐 (@SadeekNextWave) August 6, 2023
Presently, No. 10 (Fran Tarkenton), No. 53 (Mick Tingelhoff), No. 70 (Jim Marshall), No. 77 (Korey Stringer), No. 80 (Cris Carter) and No. 88 (Alan Page) are the only numbers to be retired by the Vikings. The most recent was Carter’s No. 80 in 2003.
Peterson played in Minnesota from 2007-2016. In that time, he was a four-time First-team All-Pro, three-time Second-team All-Pro, made seven Pro Bowls, won three rushing titles, was the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2007 and the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 2012.
So, while his number is presently not retired, it likely one day will be.
