Minnesota Vikings Report To Training Camp In Mankato
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Vikings brought high expectations with them as they rolled into training camp Thursday in Mankato.
They are well aware that everybody thinks they're going to be pretty good this year, and they are embracing it.
"We welcome pressure. That's one thing about us here that, you know, the guys don't back down from challenges," said quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. "We have a great group of guys here who want to be great."
Running back Adrian Peterson says expectations are at the "highest level."
"You play to not only just win games, but to win championships," Peterson said. "I feel like with the coaching staff and tools that we have, there's no reason that we shouldn't accomplish that."
But linebacker Chad Greenway says excitement can only take you so far.
"Everybody is so excited for our season and what, you know, could be. But none of that happens without us going to work and being who we are," Greenway said. "And that's just, you got to go to work and be yourself, and not try to be something that everybody's saying you are."
Head Coach Mike Zimmer, who just signed a contract extension, says his team knows hard work.
"I think they understand the things they need to do to get there," Zimmer said.
Despite all the hype around his team, Zimmer says he still has found a few people counting them out. He will make sure to mention that to his players in their annual pre-camp meeting Thursday night.