NFL Trade Rumors: Adrian Peterson Attends Vikings' OTAs and Felt 'Happy' Being Back
Adrian Peterson has finally attended the Minnesota Vikings' organized team activities on Tuesday, showing a more positive disposition.
His presence marked his first appearance with the rest of the Vikings after pleading no contest to one count of misdemeanor reckless assault in November. He was indicted in September for reckless injury when he used a switch to discipline his four-year-old son, reported ESPN.
Peterson's decision to come to the OTAs squashed trade speculations, which spread when his agent, Ben Dogra, commented in March that he thought it was Peterson's "best interest" to play outside of the Vikings.
A different Peterson from the man who told ESPN he felt "uneasy" with the Vikings in February, addressed the press on Tuesday. "I'm happy where I'm at, here with the Minnesota Vikings," the running back told the media.
"Ultimately what it came down to was, 'Get back in the building,' said Peterson.
"I reached out, kinda gave them the heads up and said, 'I'll be in town, I'll be coming in,' " added the 30-year-old player.
Peterson also said that he has learned a lot from his mistake and he described the circumstances he had been in 2014 as "emotional," not just for him but for the team, as well. He also decided to move forward with his life and be a better man.
"I made a mistake, and I'm not taking it lightly at all. It's something that I regret. My son knows that, the people that truly know me... and that's really, to me, all that matters," Peterson said.
Zimmer Welcomes Peterson Back
Vikings coach Mike Zimmer gave Peterson an ultimatum last week, reported Star Tribune. "He can either play for us or he cannot play. He's not going to play for anybody else. That's just the way it's going to be," said Zimmer to the press who were present in the post-practice conference.
The strong words from a well-respected coach appeared to have made its message across Peterson that he considered coming back, a source told ESPN.
The Vikings running back has "a lot" of respect for his coach, and he made this known during the press conference on Tuesday.
"He's just one of those guys, one of those coaches, that you really don't want to disappoint, because you understand, you're able to see that he has the same passion for the game as you," Peterson said.
Even if things had been rough between Zimmer and Peterson, the coach's strong stance and affection for the player probably helped Peterson come to his senses. "I love this kid, I really do. I wouldn't fly down to Houston [in March] to see him if he wasn't important to me."
If Peterson's attendance in the OTAs and speech have not convinced fans that he is no longer up for trade, Zimmer reiterated that the 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player will play for the team next season and will not be traded.
Peterson's contract with the Vikings is set until 2017 with a salary of $12.75 million in 2015, $14.75 million in 2016 and $17.75 million in the final year of the deal, but has no guaranteed amount anymore.
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