When you look at the Washington Redskins decision to pick up Adrian Peterson’s contract option for a cap-hit of $3.1 million in 2020, it seems like a pretty easy choice. In two years with the team, AP has played in 31 of 32 games, and he was a healthy scratch in the one game he missed. He has 12 total touchdowns and almost 2,000 yards rushing in that time, and he’s put the team on his shoulders more than once when called upon to lead.
However, the retention of Peterson goes way beyond numbers. With a new coaching staff and a new regime in the front office, keeping Peterson around was absolutely critical to holding over some of what was working in Washington and continuing the growth under new leadership.
“I think it’s different with guys of my stature,” Peterson said via ESPN. “When [teammates] see a 35-year-old running back at camp going 100 miles an hour with each rep, every rep, competing at the highest level and working to get yourself and teammates better, it’s inspiring.”
Pretty hard to argue with that. Peterson’s ability to keep chugging down the field with multiple defenders on his back has been awe-inspiring for fans and media members alike who have witnessed this latest chapter in his career — I can only imagine how jaw-dropping it is to see the work that goes into this production behind closed doors.
“That’s not natural with a lot of guys and something I’ve been blessed with,” Peterson said. “It’s all about sharing that and being an example and showing these young guys and vet guys what it takes to be great. Just seeing that mentality from a player of my stature helps out tremendously when you have a young team and you’re trying to build that type of culture.”
The culture in Washington was piss-poor under the old regime, but the team showed heart at times. That heart starts and ends with Peterson, and his continued future in Washington will ensure that the heart of this team will keep beating strong.
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