Adrian Peterson Fired Up For Up-Coming Season
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings signed tight end Kyle Rudolph to a $36.5 million contract. That's a price tag that used to be reserved for top running backs.
In a pass-happy NFL, Adrian Peterson could likely be the last running back standing when it comes to big contracts.
At 29, Peterson is energized about the upcoming season. He hasn't just been the biggest part of the Vikings' offense for the last eight years. For many years, he's been their offense.
But now with offensive coordinator Norv Turner running the show, the plan for Peterson is to get him even more involved through the passing game.
"Demands more from the running back position from all positions, but definitely from the running-back position," Peterson said. "Just being able to be out on the perimeter more, more involved in the pass game and just being versatile."
To Peterson, that's a welcome change. He didn't mince words when describing how much happier he is in Turner's new offense than in years past -- and not just with his role in it.
"I feel like, you know, in the past we kinda have been predictable. I'm sure you guys have wrote stories about being predicable in the past seven years. You won't be able to write that story this year," Peterson said. "This is what I've been looking for, you know, for the past seven years and now I feel we have an offense that, you know, fits our talent."
And that means using all of Peterson's talent -- his legs and his hands. If Turner wants him catching more passes this season, Peterson will be ready.
"I [don't] want to make it seem like I'm, you know, Michael Irving or Jerry Rice, but I've been playing this game since I was seven. I can catch the football," Peterson said. "So I'm confident in what I'm able to do, what I'm going to be able to do when called upon."
The Vikings had their first day off from camp Tuesday. They will be back at it in Mankato Wednesday with their first preseason game a week from Friday at TCF Bank Stadium against Oakland.