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Jim Mone/Associated Press

Adrian Peterson is now 29 years old. Like all the best warriors, he's fought much too hard way too many times when there was simply no more yardage to be had. He's gone through a major knee injury. He's logged seven tough seasons in a league that brutally spits out running backs in usually half that time.

But there's only ever been one Adrian Peterson, and his story is not nearly done being written. (With apologies to the former Chicago Bears back of the same name.)

It's easy to look at 2013's declining numbers and assume that Peterson's best years are behind him. Very few running backs in NFL history have put together seven-year stretches like Peterson and continued on much farther.

The key to the longevity of backs like Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders is that they didn't take nearly the punishment that Peterson does. But is there anyone out there who has watched Peterson's career unfold and is willing to bet against him?

While it's unlikely that Peterson will ever change his running style to lessen the hits he takes, the new coaching staff would do well to re-imagine how it uses Peterson. Even the most casual Vikings fans have been able to call out when Peterson was getting the ball the past few seasons. While he's still impossible to stop, the predictability of it has made him an easier target.

It's been a career unlike any ever seen in Minnesota at the running back position, and Peterson has legitimately moved himself into the conversation among the best ever. He needs at least a few more high-level seasons to stake that claim, but again, who's going to bet against him?

What should we expect from Adrian Peterson in 2014? The same as every other year. Greatness.