Adrian Peterson has never had a problem finding motivation throughout his incredible career, but it would be impossible for him to not feel an added jolt of excitement heading into Week 1 against his former team.
With the New Orleans Saints set to open up their season against the Minnesota Vikings next week, Peterson is ready to go.
“In my mind, we’re starting and ending the season in Minnesota. Of course I want to stick it to them,” he told Marc Craig of the Star Tribune. “I want to stick it to everyone we play. But going back to Minnesota, playing the Vikings? Yeah, I want to stick it to them.”
Peterson is hoping to finish his season in Minnesota because that is where Super Bowl LII is being held. While he admits it was “obvious” both he and the Vikings needed to move on, the decision of Minnesota’s brass to not extend him a new offer after declining his option had to have stung.
“Whatever floats their boat,” Peterson added. “Teams run different styles of offense. The Saints are a dominant pass team. But they’re trying to be more balanced, so Sean pursued me. I know what I can do. Whatever Minnesota feels like will advance them, they should go for it. I am.”
In New Orleans, Peterson said he has already been feeling “more love.” The native Texan chalks that up to the deep south mentality.
Peterson may be 32, but we all know how confident he is based on how much longer he wants to play. It will be interesting to see how Sean Payton utilizes both him and Mark Ingram, but don’t be surprised if Peterson sees more touches against the Vikings in Week 1 than any other game.
