LANDOVER — Adrian Peterson passed Hall of Famer and Washington Redskins great John Riggins for sixth place on the all-time rushing touchdowns list after recording two rushing touchdowns in a loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Peterson now has 105 career rushing touchdowns, one more than Riggins’ 104.
Peterson matched Riggins’ record in the second quarter and surpassed it in the fourth quarter, taking Riggins’ spot on the list on 171 fewer career carries.
“Yeah, there are definitely talks about Riggins (around the locker room). And it’s a great accomplishment too,” Peterson said. “You know, what are the odds I’m here and to pass him at home.”
His first touchdown was Washington’s first score of the game, when he cut to the left at the line and scampered in from three yards. On the second, he broke left again and went in untouched from seven yards, briefly giving the Redskins the lead.
While Peterson found the achievement hard to enjoy after a tough loss and a season-ending injury to starting quarterback Alex Smith, he still realized the magnitude of the accomplishment.
“It’s bittersweet when you lose Alex and you lose a close game like this,” Peterson said. “But hands down to be able to pass a Washington Redskins legend like him, it feels good.”
If Peterson runs for two touchdowns again next week against the Cowboys, he will surpass Hall of Famer Jim Brown, who currently holds the fifth spot all-time with 106 rushing touchdowns.
The 12-year back has carried the ball for 723 rushing yards and six touchdowns for the Redskins this season.
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