VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Georgia Southern All-American and Walter Payton Award winner Adrian Peterson was selected by the Virginia Destroyers in the third round, 14th pick overall, of the United Football League (UFL) draft May 2. Peterson, who played eight seasons with the NFL’s Chicago Bears from 2002-09, helped Georgia Southern win back-to-back national championships in 1999 and 2000. Head coach and general manager Marty Shottenheimer leads the Destroyers into their inaugural season, which begins in August.
“I’m excited about this opportunity and hopefully we’ll agree to terms,” Peterson said. “Football has been a big part of my life and it would be great to continue playing.”
The Apopka, Fla., native helped Georgia Southern to a 52-7 mark during his four-year career with two titles as well as a national runner-up finish in 1998 and FCS semifinals appearance in 2001. His name has a lasting presence on Georgia Southern, Southern Conference and NCAA record books as Peterson still ranks as the NCAA Division I leader in career rushing with 6,559 yards. He rushed for more than 9,000 yard when playoff game totals are included.
 Peterson and 2007 Walter Payton Award winner Jayson Foster both have opportunities with the UFL this season. Foster, who played for the league’s Florida Tuskers in 2009 and ’10, is on the roster for the Sacramento Mountain Lions.
— Statesboro Herald