Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson said he never considered sitting out Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers, even after the tragic death of his 2-year-old son, who was allegedly beaten by a man dating the boy’s mother. The child was in “critical condition” Friday morning and died in the afternoon. Before his death, Peterson had addressed the press regarding the incident. "I really appreciate all the support that I've been receiving from fans, the Vikings organization. This is a private matter and I would ask you all to please just respect my privacy and not ask at all about the situation at hand."
He had confirmed he was going to play Sunday. "Football is something I will always fall back on. It gets me through tough times. Just being around the guys in here, that's what I need in my life, guys supporting me and just being able to go out and play this game I love. Things that I go through, I've said a thousand times, it helps me play this game to a different level. I'm able to release a lot of stress through this sport, so that's what I plan on doing." However, that was hours before taking his son off life support. But he found the strength and appeared on the field Sunday to play against the Panthers.
“Anything bad, I try to take good from it. That's the way I approach life in all situations. I never thought about not playing. It was all about just going out there and praying that I have the strength to get through and help my team. That was my focus,” said Peterson. "I was set on it," he added. "I just look at things and I don't ask people to understand my mindset and how I think." Peterson finished with 62 yards on 10 carries and 21 yards on three receptions, but the Vikings (1-4) had an embarrassing 35-10 loss to Carolina.
According to The Associated Press, Peterson said the following on the death of his son, “It’s tough. It’s a crazy situation. Anytime you lose a child, no matter the circumstances, it hurts. I can’t describe it. But I’ve got a good supporting cast surrounding me.” He spoke to the press after the game and declined to get into details about the extent of his relationship with the son — "We just got blown out (by 25) points, so let's focus on football and what the Minnesota Vikings can do to get better" — and teammates privately downplayed the impact of the situation on their play.
Peterson has had a rough life where unfortunately, tragedy has played a big part. His older brother Brian died in a bicycle accident after he was struck by a drunk driver when Peterson was 7. At 13, his dad Nelson was sent to prison for money-laundering from drug profits and spent eight years there. In 2007, the night before the NFL Combine, Peterson’s half-brother Chris Paris was shot and killed in Houston, but Peterson still participated in the combine. "My brother passed the night before the combine and I decided to go through with it. The same reason why I will play this week," Peterson said in a text message to Fox Sports. "You may ask why? God wants good to come from it ... we mourn and grieve but heaven had the baddest welcoming party for my son. That knowledge gives me peace.”
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