Adrian Peterson Pledges $1 Million to Sooners Athletics

The University of Oklahoma has announced that former University of Oklahoma All-America running back Adrian Peterson has pledged a $1 million to the OU Athletics Department.

The donation will support the construction of Headington Hall -- OU's new student housing facility -- and will also establish the Adrian Peterson Football Scholarship Endowment, a press release said Thursday.

Peterson's financial gift is the largest ever to OU Athletics from a former Sooners football player.

"This was something that I had been thinking about doing for a long time," said Peterson, who now plays for the NFL's Minnesota Vikings after suiting up at OU from 2004 through 2006.

Peterson was the first freshman to finish runner-up on the Heisman Trophy ballot when, in 2004, he finished second to Matt Leinart of Southern Cal.

"I always hoped to be in a position to be able to donate back to the University of Oklahoma and make it an even better place; do whatever I could to help the university that did so much for me. It was something that I always wanted to do and there just came a time when I got established and comfortable enough to make it happen. It was a no-brainer to do it and I am thankful that I'm in a position to give back to OU and to show my appreciation."

The new facility on OU's main campus in Norman will replace Wilkinson, Jones and Jefferson Houses, and it is being privately funded.

"Adrian is certainly special. He possessed great natural ability, but never took that ability or his teammates for granted and it was common for him to place the interests of others above his own," Sooners Head Coach Bob Stoops said in the release. "I'm excited that his name will appear in Headington Hall to remind others of his example of selfless dedication and generosity. I'm also grateful to him for helping us continue the great Sooner legacy."

Headington Hall is a $75 million, 230,000-square-foot housing center for OU students and student-athletes being constructed on the corner of Jenkins Ave. and Lindsey St., southeast and across the street from Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Scheduled to open in fall 2013, it will have 392 beds in two- and four-bedroom units. The building will include central dining, computer labs and study rooms, as well as a faculty-in-residence unit.

Peterson was the seventh overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and went on to be named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Peterson, who that year set the NFL record for single-game rushing yards (296), became only the fifth player in NFL history to run for more than 3,000 yards through his first two seasons.

In 2010, he became the fifth fastest player to reach the 5,000-yard plateau, doing so in his 51st game.