Adrian Peterson will play Sunday despite the death of his two-year-old son Friday. The All-Pro running back sent a text message to Fox reporter Laura Okmin describing his decision to play, which is based in his faith.
Adrian Peterson: ‘God wants good’ to come from tragedy
Personal tragedy will not stop Adrian Peterson this week. He believes that “God wants good” to come from it.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Peterson lost his brother prior to the NFL combine in 2007, something he referenced in the message.
“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. 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. I’m still hurt and feel the pain of life, but I’m able to function because of the peace and joy of knowing my loved ones are in a much better place.”
It was unclear whether the reigning MVP would play on Sunday, despite practicing for much of the week. CBS reports that Peterson didn’t have a relationship with his son, but that has no bearing on the tragedy.
First time Adrian Peterson saw 2-year-old son he was on life support http://t.co/lL3nGNlKFM
— Eye on Football (@EyeOnNFL) October 13, 2013
The Minnesota Vikings host the Carolina Panthers in what will be an emotional game for Peterson and his teammates.
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