To acquire #7, Peterson will donate new shoulder pads to the Menomonie High School football program, @Njstan4’s alma mater.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 25, 2021
A high school in Western Wisconsin will be receiving an unexpected gift from a star NFL player in Minnesota.
The Menomonie High School football program is getting new equipment as a result of Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson changing uniform numbers.
Peterson, an eight-time Pro Bowler who signed in Minnesota this offseason, wore No. 7 at LSU but decided to continue wearing No. 21 – his number with the Arizona Cardinals – after joining the Vikings. Once the NFL passed a new rule allowing other positions to wear single-digit numbers earlier this month, Peterson wanted to switch to his college number, but it was already in use – by former Menomonie quarterback Nate Stanley.
A deal was made between the two players.
In return for getting the No. 7, Peterson will donate new shoulder pads to Stanley’s alma mater in Menomonie.
The Mustangs are a five-time state champion in football.
A star quarterback in Menomonie, Stanley was named a two-time All-State selection and is the school’s record holder for passing yards and passing touchdowns. After graduating from MHS, Stanley went on to start 39 games for the University of Iowa, where he ranks second in school history in passing yards and touchdown passes. The Vikings drafted Stanley in the seventh round of the 2020 draft.
Stanley wore the No. 7 while on the Vikings practice squad last season. He will switch to No. 14 in 2021.
