Next up on Adrian Peterson's 2020 revenge tour: the Washington Football Team.
And the Detroit Lions running back is fired up for Sunday's game at Ford Field.
"I would be lying to you if I told you that chip on my shoulder wasn't there," Peterson told Washington, D.C., TV station WUSA9. "They will get to realize what they let go."
Peterson spent the past two seasons with Washington, where he was an effective runner. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry and scored 12 rushing touchdowns. But he was blindsided by Washington's decision to cut him right before the roster deadline in September.
"It was an awkward situation," Peterson told WUSA9. "It was like bam, I was cut, just like that with no notice."
Peterson's remarks are in stark contrast to the way he has spoken about his other former teams — Arizona, New Orleans and Minnesota — before he has played them his year. Even before he played in Sunday's game at Minnesota, where he spent 10 Hall of Fame-caliber seasons, Peterson was mostly nostalgic and appreciative of his time with the Vikings.
Of course, facing Washington is different because it's Peterson's most recent former team. And he did thank the organization for allowing him to continue his career.
"It was a great journey and great opportunity," he said. "They allowed me to show that I can still play this game at a high level. I will always have love for the (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. It was critical for my career. It's a reason why I'm still playing in this league now at a high level."
If Peterson does want to show Washington "what they let go," he'll have to improve on his performances so far against his ex-teams this year.
Peterson's best game against his former teams this season came against Arizona, when he had 22 carries for 75 yards. He had 11 carries for 36 yards and a rushing and receiving touchdown against New Orleans. On Sunday, he had eight carries for 29 yards.
