Adrian Peterson returned to Minnesota on Thursday night, but this time he did so as a member of the Washington Redskins in a game that was critical for each team despite them heading in different directions.
Ultimately, the Vikings reigned supreme on the night, dropping the Redskins by a score of 19-9 despite a strong showing by Peterson, who tallied over 100 yards from scrimmage (76 yards rushing, 27 yards receiving) while averaging over 5.0 yards per carry.
Late in the fourth quarter with the game winding down, the Vikings decided to honor their all-time leading rusher, plastering Peterson on the two big screens that line the stadium, which led to loud and prolonged cheers, as well as the chants of “AP.”
Peterson acknowledged the fans, waving to them and later kissing his fingers in a show of respect. But it wasn’t until after the game that the future Hall of Famer shared the full extent of his emotions.
“I had to hold tears back, to be honest,” Peterson said, via ESPN. “It was special, a special moment.
“Just coming back and seeing the love they still have for me and they showed, man, it felt good. Even in defeat I’m able to embrace it and take it for what it was and it meant a lot. I spent a decade here so just to see that ovation and the love they showed it was meaningful.”
Peterson also admitted that as a force of habit, he found himself on the sidelines singing the “Skol” song at several points throughout the night.
“There was a couple times during the game I caught myself singing the Skol song,” he said. “It’s a natural instinct. Some things are just triggered.”
Although Peterson didn’t get the win as a player, he most certainly got the win as a person. He’s beloved in Minnesota and that will never change.
