A week after the football season officially ended with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots won another championship, a man who is very familiar with earning accolades and honors returned to Statesboro.

Monday afternoon, former Georgia Southern running back Adrian Peterson visited to talk about his recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, his book Don’t Dis My Abilities and his life.

Before speaking with the students in the Russel Union Ballroom as a part of Georgia Southern’s Wellness Week Monday night, Peterson took the time to talk to the media.

When talking about receiving the news about his induction into the Hall of Fame, “a big smile came across (his) face, ” and he was quick to thank all of those that paved the way and helped him reach this honor.

Though he had other offers to other schools and programs, he knew once he signed with GS, he was an Eagle. In a humble manner, he said his only goals upon signing were to “possibly get on the field and win” and never thought of a Hall of Fame spot.

Peterson gave thanks to his speech therapist Sharon Milner who “was tremendous in (his) development as a speaker” which was just another way Georgia Southern helped him in his career off the field.

The press conference concluded with Peterson being honored to be in such a great Hall of Fame class and told stories of watching Marshall Faulk as a kid, being on the Chicago Bears with Brian Urlacher, and Coach Steve Spurrier coaching his older brother at the University of Florida.

Adrian Peterson along with the rest of the 2017 College Football Hall of Fame Class will be inducted at the 60th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 5 in New York.