Adrian Peterson may be gone from the Vikings but he proved this weekend he hasn’t forgotten about them.
More from Minnesota Vikings News
- Former Vikings first-round pick could reportedly return to NFC North
- Bears analyst has extremely embarrassing Kirk Cousins take
- 6 Vikings who (maybe) won’t make the 53-man roster in 2023
- Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022
- Vikings have reportedly begun extension talks with T.J. Hockenson
Several Vikings players confirm that, before Sunday’s game against the Falcons, coach Mike Zimmer conveyed an “inspirational speech” Peterson had sent to his teammates in the form of a text message.
Matt Asiata talked about the effect of Peterson’s electronically-communicated pep talk (via 1500ESPN.com):
"“We felt him in spirit,” Asiata said. “He gave us a text, a motivational speech in a text, and we came out punching.”"
Peterson’s words seemed to touch Teddy Bridgewater, who would go on to pass for over 300 yards in winning his first game as a starter:
"“One thing that I took away from that message was: ‘play each down like it’s your last because you never know when it’s going to be your last opportunity,'” Bridgewater said. “Today I think the guys got that message pretty well. We went out, we fought today and it was just a great overall team effort.”"
Peterson remains on the little-used Exempt list while dealing with a charge of reckless or negligent injury to a child brought against him after an incident where he allegedly whipped his 4-year-old son with a switch.
Adrian may be an object of intense hatred in some circles but his teammates clearly still think of him as a positive presence.