For the first time since he returned to practice, Adrian Peterson met with the media Wednesday, touching on a variety of topics about his health, his playing status and his future.
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The key talking points:
•Why he would return?
"The team. The passion we all have for the game. It's the game I love. If I could have played in the Big 12 Championship, or the game before that, I would have played. It's just the love I have for the game.”
•How he feels.
"Body feels pretty good. It's been fun just being back out there with the guys and getting back in my groove.”
•Worrying about re-injury.
"That's one of the biggest things. I have to keep my mind focused on what's in front of me and try not to think about the collarbone. I'm just going out there practicing hard and running hard like normal, not thinking about it.”
•Watching from the sideline.
"It's been very difficult. I've been standing on the side, cheering the team on, helping the running backs, seeing different things. Passing the time that way made it a lot easier.”
•Breaking Billy Sims' rushing record.
"It's not something I sit there and think about as my main focus, but it's nice. It's something that comes along with playing the game. It's a record that's stood up for a long time. It would be real nice to break it.”
•His future.
"Me and Coach Stoops, we'll set up a time to talk. But I haven't come to any decision as far as coming out. I love all the players, I love all my coaches, the guys I'm around. So I wouldn't mind at all coming back.”
•Pressures to stay or go pro.
"You could make it difficult on yourself if you want to. I hear different things, from family, friends, guys on the team. When it boils down to it, it's my decision. I have to do what's best for me. I really don't let outside influence my decision because I'm the one who has to live with it.”
By John Helsley
