Adrian Peterson Back With Vikings: 'I Learned A Lot From My Mistake'
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (WCCO) -- Adrian Peterson is back with the Minnesota Vikings and it appears both sides are ready to move forward with No. 28 as the team's starting running back.
Peterson practiced with the Vikings at Tuesday's organized team activities and addressed the media about what he described as an emotional year off the field. It was the first time he's spoken publicly since being suspended by the NFL after reaching a plea deal in a child abuse case involving his 4-year-old son. It was also the first time he's put on a Vikings jersey since last year's season-opener at St. Louis. He was deactivated against the New England Patriots, later put on the NFL's exempt list and eventually suspended.
Peterson said Tuesday it was good to be back in the building at Winter Park with his coaches and teammates. He said he has learned from his mistake, has finished his required counseling and is ready to move forward.
As for coming back on Tuesday, Peterson said it was because he just wanted to. He said he missed last week's organized team activities because of a family commitment.
"I just wanted to come back. I had a long time to really think about things. Ultimately it came down to getting back in the building," Peterson said. I love my teammates and coaches.
Coach Mike Zimmer also addressed the media Tuesday with Peterson and said the team is welcoming him back with open arms unequivocally.
"I'm proud of Adrian in the fact that all the things he's had to go through. We know what kind of person and player he is," Zimmer said.
Peterson spoke candidly about the relationship with his son since the incident took place. He said he has been raising kids for a long time, going back to his brothers and sisters while his mother worked two jobs. He said his son was the first person he apologized to after everything happened.
He said he has a good relationship with his son.
"The relationship is good. I made a mistake and it's something I'm not taking likely at all. I know a lot of people don't view it that way. My son knows I love him," Peterson said. "It's something I regret and my son knows that and the people that truly know me and my character know that as well."
Peterson was asked if it were up to him, is playing with the Minnesota Vikings his first choice?
"Yeah, I'm happy where I'm at with the Minnesota Vikings," Peterson said. "It's the best coaching staff since I've been here, we have an excellent young quarterback."
He was also asked if there was any point where he didn't want to play for the Vikings any more. His agent, Ben Dogra, had been pushing for months that Peterson be traded and moved out of Minnesota. There were rumors swirling that he would be traded leading up to the NFL Draft and throughout the first round of the draft.
"My agent had a job to do, but I'll tell you 100 percent with all that was going on I really didn't know what I wanted. I didn't know if I wanted to play somewhere else," Peterson said.
Zimmer said there were never any trade discussions at any point with any team involving Peterson.
The speculation was also fueled by him not showing up at the team's first voluntary workouts, then taking to social media to voice his frustration with the NFL and guaranteed contracts. Peterson is due $12.75 million this season and that money will be guaranteed once he's on the Week 1 roster when the face the San Francisco 49ers.
Peterson is expected to participate in the remainder of the team's voluntary workouts and will be at the Vikings' mandatory minicamp later this month. He's also expected to be at training camp.
He said he is looking forward to working more under Zimmer's leadership.
"Zimmer is one of those coaches you really don't want to disappoint. He shoots it to you straight whether you like it or not. As a competitor you love that type of mentality," Peterson said. "Zimmer has always been straightforward with me. During this process, he's been supportive as well."
"I love this kid. I really do. I've said this all along. I wouldn't have flown to Houston if he wasn't important to me, our program and the rest of our football team," Zimmer said.
So what has Peterson learned from everything after the child abuse case and his subsequent NFL suspension? He said his counseling has helped a lot and that timeouts are a better option than going to physical abuse. He also said he loves all his kids and would do anything for them.
"I would run through a brick wall, jump in front of a train for them," Peterson said. "Some people have their own opinion and make their own assumptions and run with negative things. I'm comfortable with knowing my intentions, knowing my child loves me and wants to be around me."