Does everyone remember when Adrian Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra, was adamant that his client wanted to be traded out of Minnesota? And then the rumor mill kept on building and building. Would it be the Cowboys? Would it be the San Diego Chargers? The Cardinals?
Adrian Peterson’s agent suddenly whistling a new tune about future with the Vikings
The demand that Adrian Peterson be traded away from Minnesota came to a close after the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday. Now his agent, Ben Dogra, is approaching the Vikings with a new, friendlier tone.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
How about he just stays in Minnesota? The Vikings made it clear from the first mention of a trade that such a deal wasn't something they were interested in. They stuck to their guns and now, suddenly, Dogra is approaching the Vikings with a much different view on the situation.
“One of the things that I appreciate with the Vikings is their resolve to say ‘we’re not trading him,’” Dogra told USA TODAY Sports Thursday night after the Vikings didn’t trade Peterson away. “That tells me they value him not only as a football player, but what he’s done for the organization.
“I actually, as an agent, not only appreciate it -- I accept it. But actions speak louder than words. If that’s going to happen, and you want to keep him, then show him a commitment to make him retire as a Viking. And I haven’t had that solution.”
In short, the USA Today interview was a way for Dogra to say it would be nice if the Vikings would guarantee at least a part of Peterson’s contract, worth $46 million with no guarantees over the remaining three years.
But Dogra didn't do himself or his client any favors this offseason when it comes to winning over the decision makers in Minnesota, especially with his confrontation of Vikings' personnel and posting messages on Facebook that even included Peterson wearing Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear.
“My biggest regret would be if I set Adrian in any different light, in a negative manner,” Dogra said to USA Today. “My job as a representative is to be his advocate. And I understand that may mean myself taking the bullets and facing scrutiny. I signed up for that job.
“Adrian didn’t hire me to fight for me. He hired me to fight for him. And it’s not my job to be everybody’s best friend. It’s my job to do what’s right by him, and it’s as simple as that.”
Peterson is the Vikings’ all-time leading rusher after nine seasons with the team. He has 10,190 yards on 2,054 attempts with 86 touchdowns.
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