After news broke that Washington decided to release veteran running back Adrian Peterson, many people are trying to make sense why it happened, including Peterson himself. After the expected starter Derrius Guice was released last month, it seemed to be AP’s spot to fill, and many believed that he would do it well once again, as he has for his entire career.
In the end, though, Ron Rivera and the team decided to do away with the 35-year-old workhorse, opting instead to ride the young rookie Antonio Gibson, who was drafted in the third round this past season. When talking to ESPN’s Josina Anderson after his release on Friday, Peterson gave a lot of credit to Gibson, saying that he is a perfect fit for this new offensive system that they are working to run in Washington.
Hall of Fame RB Adrian Peterson to me on Washington release: “It caught me by surprise. I was having a strong camp. It was showing up on film, taking #1 reps all the way to this week. I just got notified by the running backs coach yesterday that they want to give these…. [ 1/4]
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 4, 2020
[Cont] "..young guys some reps, but I didn’t know I was going to get cut, there was no indication. Today (Ron) Rivera just said this is always tough, but yes we’re gonna release you & go with this offensive style. I respect coach. Look (Antonio) Gibson is a hell of a talent…2/4
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 4, 2020
[Cont] "…This system really fits him. I feel like I can do that pony style too, more as a receiving back. We were all working on it, but they really want one main guy to do it & they drafted Gibson for it. Trust me, I still have a lot in me, more to strive for & do again…3/4
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 4, 2020
[Peterson to me cont] "…even when there’s doubt. I feel strong & I can build on that as the season wears on. I'll do it again." 4/4
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) September 4, 2020
Hearing of AP’s release is tough for fans, and tough for the player as well. As one of the best RBs to ever play the game, there was a thought that he could once again lead the backfield in Washington, and according to his own words, he was adapting well to the new pass-catching style of play that Scott Turner was bringing to the table.
However, it wasn’t meant to be apparently, and now Peterson will be looking for yet another team. We wish you all the best in the future AP, and thank you for helping out in Washington for the past couple of seasons.
