After skipping the team OTAs, Adrian Peterson will be coming back to the Minnesota Vikings.
Peterson returned on the field to join the Vikings for their OTAs on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. He told the Associated Press, "I've been away from the game for an entire season. I wanted the chance to be around the players and coaches, the guys that really matter to me."
"I understand this is a business. Clearly there were a lot of emotions involved, but I will only be better from the situation. I have a role to play and the Vikings have one as well. It's time to move forward and put my energy and focus on preparing for the season," he continued.
Peterson also said that he loves his teammates and that the Vikings have an excellent group of young players plus a consistent coaching staff. He shared that he is already excited to return to the field to play with the team and in front of fans.
Peterson told Josina Anderson of ESPN that he already spoke with coach Mike Zimmer to clarify matters.
Anderson wrote: "Vikings RB Adrian Peterson on his relationship with coach Mike Zimmer after Zimmer said last week that Peterson "can play for us, or he cannot play". The conversation between Mike Zimmer and I went well. He was able to express what place (his comments) came from and I was able to listen. I was also able to express how I received that and we came to common ground about it. That was the end of it. I told him to tell the family I said hello and I'll see you next week."
Previously, Peterson wanted out of Minnesota after he was indicted for child abuse because of his manner of disciplining his young child. Peterson avoided jail time through a plea agreement but felt that the Vikings did not support him during that time. He was reinstated by the league in April. The running back last played with the team in September 2014 since he was put on the commissioner's exempt list.
However, the Vikings only left him the option of either playing for them or for no one. Peterson reportedly still has a contract with the Vikings for three years and is set to earn $12.75 million in the coming season. The team reportedly did not rework his contract upon his return, which can be a sign that they truly want him back.