In his first interview with the Lions media since arriving in Detroit earlier this week, running back Adrian Peterson did not disappoint. Affable, comfortable and open about any topic, Peterson weighed in on several Lions-related issues.
One of the best came when Peterson was asked about longtime Lions QB Matthew Stafford. He left little doubt about his respect and admiration for No. 9 and his game.
“I’ve always been a fan,” Peterson said. “I love how he plays, the grit he plays with, the toughness. Great arm, great accuracy, ultimate competitor. And so I’ve always looked at that and seen that, and just had respect strictly off of that. I’ve always heard things about him too, as far as his personality, how he is as a teammate. Just being around him the few days I’ve been around him, I can see why people think of him so highly.”
Peterson wasn’t done talking up Stafford. He embraces the “All Day” nickname when giving answers in a press conference, too.
“He’s blessed. He’s blessed. His arm is amazing, his decision-making, the way he’s able to read the defense and orchestrate the offense. He’s an elite player and an elite quarterback for a reason, and he’s been here (in Detroit) for a reason.
I’m just happy to have the opportunity to play with a quarterback that seasoned, that has the same mindset as me, and is trying to accomplish the same things I’m trying to accomplish. I’ve been trying to accomplish for going on 14 years now.”
Peterson shrugged off a suggestion that he might start in the backfield on Sunday with Stafford, but expect to see a healthy dose of No. 28 in his Lions debut when Detroit hosts the Chicago Bears, a foe Peterson knows very well, at Ford Field.
