EAGAN, Minn. — Jordan Addison said participating in Wednesday's practice to start 2024 Vikings Training Camp provided "probably the most peace I have felt" since his arrest during a California traffic stop earlier this month.
He explained to media members after the practice how he was already down on himself before the incident became part of the news cycle.
"That's me being hard on myself, knowing I've got to do better," Addison said. "I feel like there's nobody more disappointed in me than myself. Everything is a learning lesson."
Addison said outreach from teammates — who were supportive and "hard on me" in their conversations.
"Since it came out, people have been reaching out to me individually and trying to figure out what was going on," Addison said. "I respect them for being hard on me, but at the same time, just bringing me in. They know I'm going to shake it off. Can't no adversity make me break, make me fold. I'm just going to be me."
The 22-year-old said he was surprised by the amount of support. He said he wants teammates and coaches to see that he's put the incident behind him and is focused on doing his job.
"I'm still J.A. They know my character and my heart, so I'll just come out here every day and show them that I'm moving past it and will keep learning," Addison said.
"I'm just going to come out here and score touchdowns for my team, be a great teammate, be a great son, be a great brother and keep learning from my mistakes," he added. "I'm still young. I ain't got it all figured out right now, but I'm just going to keep moving forward."
Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah discussed the situation with media members on Monday. They explained their disappointment and said they wanted to support Addison, who was asked about his conversation with O'Connell at the time of the incident.
"I talked to him. I don't want to go into too much detail, but it was a pretty good conversation," Addison said. "He was disappointed, of course, but he said what he had to say. I feel like everything I'm going through right now is making me a better man."
View photos of players during 2024 Vikings Training Camp practice on July 24 at the TCO Performance Center.
O'Connell was asked about potential punishment Addison could face and pointed out the legal process is still underway. He added it is likely to be reviewed under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
"I'm not sure what's going on, but I'll own up to whatever it is," Addison said. "Any disciplinary actions come my way, I'm going to stand tall, face it, get through it and shake back."
