NFL Roster Update: Adrian Peterson is Looking To 'Prove a Point' in Minnesota Vikings Training Camp
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is back and his performance in the training camp speaks volumes.
It was almost nine months since Peterson's indictment for reckless injury to a child, and the NFL suspended him soon after. He was reinstated in April and the Vikings welcomed his return. But the 30-year-old player initially felt "uneasy" to go back to the team when ESPN interviewed him in February. Now, it's as if he and his team didn't go through a rough patch.
The 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player, who only tallied 75 rushing yards last season, attended three of the Vikings' organized team activities this week and amazed not just his teammates, but even his training staff as well.
One of his teammates, cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, observed that the Texas native really played well on the field with a plan in mind.
"I haven't been around him a year, or six months. I didn't know he'd come back in this type of shape. The guy is in unbelievable shape, like he hadn't missed a step, and he's out to prove a point," Munnerlyn told ESPN.
Offensive coordinator Norv Turner informed the press how great it was to see the player donning the familiar number "28" purple jersey back. Turner also shared how he saw Peterson's willingness to learn everything that was added in their offense strategy, and he also marveled at how the player was able to maintain his gameplay.
"I've been around a lot of these guys a lot of years, and he's one of the top guys I've been around. He just comes out and looks like he hasn't missed a day. It was nice having him," Turner said.
The coordinator also confirmed that Peterson's presence will definitely help the team a lot.
"I think there's going to be a lot of guys that can contribute. Certain guys are going to contribute more than others, and I'd assume Adrian is that guy that will contribute more than others. If you're going to be a really good offensive football team, you have to use all the guys you have," he added.
Everyone welcomed the running back, even Jerick McKinnon who willingly gave back Peterson's starting spot. McKinnon also acknowledged how he counts on improving on the "mental aspect" of the game through Peterson's help, Star Tribune noted.
"It's an opportunity to learn from the best running back in the game," McKinnon said.
On Tuesday, the running back returned after getting a wake-up call from his well-respected coach, Mike Zimmer. Zimmer said in a post-practice conference last week that the running back could either play with the Vikings or not at all.
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