Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has heard what his new coach has to say about leadership, and Peterson says he’s up to the task.
Minnesota head coach Mike Zimmer said in an interview with 104.9 The Horn in Austin that he wanted to see how Peterson works before he’s ready to proclaim Peterson a team leader.
“Adrian is the most well-known player on the team,” Zimmer said, via the Pioneer Press. “That doesn’t necessarily mean those guys are the leaders.”
There’s been some talk that Zimmer was calling Peterson out with those comments, but Peterson says he’s on board with what Zimmer is saying.
“I definitely understand where he’s coming from when he says that,” Peterson said, via ESPN. “He doesn’t know me that well. I met him. We talked. We chatted once or twice. I’m sure not only me, but everyone else has to prove that they are leaders of the team. That’s something that I really take pride in as well. That’s all a part of me taking care of my business when I’m away from the facility. It’s normal. It’s a normal routine for me.”
In an ideal locker room, the best players would also be the best leaders. Peterson wants to be both.