EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. –Adrian Peterson would love to finish out his NFL career in purple.
Peterson addressed Twin Cities media members on Monday morning after wrapping up his 10th Vikings season. The running back said he's allowed himself to get a bit sentimental as of late.
"I've been taking in a lot here the past couple weeks, and just the fans here," Peterson said. "I've been here for 10 years, and we have a great team. We have some great things going on in Minnesota. I would love to continue to be a part of that.
"I'm going into this thinking about my guys and wanting to be back with my guys," Peterson added. "[I realize] that at the end of the day, it is a business, so I always just let the chips fall where they may. But I would love to finish my career here and try to help bring a Super Bowl to Minnesota."
Peterson started the first two games for Minnesota before suffering a torn meniscus against the Packers in Week 2 and undergoing surgery shortly thereafter. Despite being told by doctors to expect a recovery period of up to six months, Peterson worked to get back on the field.
Peterson made his return on Dec. 18 against the Colts and had six carries for 22 yards but was then inactive for the final two games of the season.
Despite missing a majority of the 2016 season, however, Peterson said he has plenty left in the tank.
"I feel good," Peterson said. "It's so unfortunate that, especially for the running back position, you're numbered. I've always been a guy, that, I don't think that way. I think outside the norm.
"I choose to think differently," he continued. "In my mind … if God's willing and I stay healthy, I'll play five more [years], and it's going to be at a high level. That's the way that I envision things going for me when it comes to my career."
According to Peterson, he's looking forward to spending the next few weeks relaxing and focusing on his family and did not address any contract specifics.
View images from 'move out day' as players said their goodbyes and cleared out their lockers at Winter Park.
"In due time, we'll cross that bridge," Peterson said. "Today is just about focusing on the season and how things ended – things we could have done better and improving on that. The business side will be handled when that time comes."
Although he'd like to be back in the Vikings locker room next season, Peterson said he "knows the business" and understands he can't anticipate the future.
Peterson said when thoughts cross his mind about when his time with the Vikings ends, he's enjoyed time of reflecting back over his seasons in Minnesota.
"You just kind of sit back and think about all the times you had here, and your teammates, and things like that," Peterson said. "It's not that I'm locked in on, 'I won't be here next year.' But when you have those thoughts that cross your mind, it's only human nature to think about the times you've had. I've been here for over 10 years."
