Peterson rushed for 18 yards on just six carries in his first game with the New Orleans Saints, turning an emotional homecoming into an afterthought in the Saints’ 29-19 loss on Monday night.

”It was a little different, but for me, once I got out there it was more fun,” Peterson said. ”I wish I could’ve got some more snaps, but it was fun and interesting to get in there and go against those guys.”

Peterson spent his first 10 seasons with the Vikings, emerging as perhaps the best pure runner of his generation while he made seven trips to the Pro Bowl, set the single-game rushing record and racked up 2,097 yards in a 2012 season that began about 10 months after he had reconstructive knee surgery. But with his 32nd birthday on the horizon in March and Peterson coming off another knee surgery, the Vikings said goodbye to No. 28.

He landed in New Orleans, with the Saints believing that pairing him with a star quarterback for just the second time in his career would help Peterson find new juice in those old legs.

The first seven years of Peterson’s stay in Minnesota were among the most dynamic and productive a Vikings player has ever had. His affable demeanor and work in the community combined with a unique blend of power and speed made him one of the most popular players to ever wear purple.

His star was tarnished in 2014 when he only played in one game while facing allegations that he used a wooden switch to whip his then-4-year-old son. The scandal caused sponsors to drop him, fans to throw away his jersey and several high-ranking Vikings officials to consider moving on from him right then and there.

After sitting out nearly the entire season, a remorseful Peterson returned in 2015 to win his third rushing title and restore some of the goodwill he had lost during the previous year. He had just 72 yards on 37 carries while being limited by a right knee injury last year, prompting the Vikings to decline the $18 million option on his contract and bring in free agent Latavius Murray and draft Dalvin Cook in the second round.

But once he was wearing enemy colors in the season opener, the fans made their feelings clear.

Peterson took the first handoff of the game, bursting through the line for 9 yards. He was booed vociferously by a rowdy Vikings crowd, many of whom still wore that purple No. 28 to the game.

That wasn’t the only unfamiliar feeling for Peterson.

He is transitioning from the focal point of the Vikings offense to a role player with the Saints, sharing time with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara in the backfield. He acknowledged it is going to take some getting used to, but he was used only sparingly in the opener. After getting two carries on the first drive of the game, Peterson had just four the rest of the way.

At one point early in the third quarter, Peterson and coach Sean Payton appeared to have a brief, tense exchange on the sideline. Peterson said he would keep that conversation ”confidential,” but insisted there was no animosity between the two.

”There is no conflict. Let’s not try to spin it like there is,” Peterson said. ”I’ve got a lot of respect for coach Payton and his offense. He’s a great mind. We’re going to learn from this.”

”We weren’t in any heated exchange,” Payton said. ”I’d tell you if we were in a heated exchange, so why don’t you ask him? I think he was into it; we were all into it. There was none that I can recall, and I’m being honest.”

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Saints faced a second-and-goal from 3-yard line, the kind of situation that Peterson has thrived in while scoring 97 touchdowns in his career. But Kamara was the man in the backfield.

”Obviously being the competitor that I am, I want to be in on every snap. But I don’t make those calls,” Peterson said. ”I’m there being pulled back, just waiting for my number to be called. I’ve got confidence in Mark, in Alvin, to be able to make things happen in the red zone as well. I’ve got confidence in myself. That’s something I’ve done well. But at the end of the day, I think we can learn a lot from this film after watching it.

The Vikings, meanwhile, looked crisp and explosive with a new pass-first offensive identity. Sam Bradford threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns and Cook rushed for 127 yards on 22 carries.

The fans may still hold some sort of grudge against Peterson. The Vikings have clearly moved on.

—

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“What an amazing honor to be recognized for such a prestigious award,” Peterson said. “I am grateful for the chance to represent my hometown of Alachua, Florida, and my parents, Porter and Reatha Peterson, who set me up for success from the very start. Thank you, Georgia Southern University, for the opportunity to further my education and receive a college degree while playing the game of football. Lastly, sincere thanks to the committee for considering me worthy and allowing me to join such an elite class of men.”

The class will be inducted at the 60th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 5 in New York. The inductees will be permanently enshrined at the new College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta later in December.

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Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon said Thursday that the judge gave the appearance of being ”enamored with an elite athlete.” The 2012 NFL most valuable player’s probation was reduced from two years to nine months already served without input from prosecutors.

Requirements for Peterson to complete a public service announcement about child abuse, check in monthly with a probation officer and complete mandatory drug testing were also waived.

Peterson pleaded no contest last year to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son.

State District Judge Kelly Case declined to comment on his decision to the Houston Chronicle.

Peterson’s attorney told the newspaper his client didn’t receive special treatment.

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Peterson has been unhappy with the Vikings for a perceived lack of support from within the organization while he addressed child abuse charges last season. The person spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.

The Vikings have said they have no plans to trade Peterson, who could lose out on a $250,000 workout bonus by skipping the practices this week.

Peterson is not required to attend any team functions until a mandatory minicamp next month.

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If Peterson were able to reach a plea agreement, then the immediate question would become when he would be allowed to return to work. For this there is no concrete answer, as the case is unprecedented.

To date, the NFL has shown no willingness to allow Peterson to be removed from the commissioner’s exempt list and to return to work. But if and when Peterson reaches a plea deal, the conversation and the focus on this situation is going to heat up dramatically.

In addition to a potential plea deal, what will be at issue Tuesday is the bond revocation prosecutors have called for in light of Peterson’s admission that he smoked marijuana before his initial court appearance in September.

Peterson is facing a felony count of reckless or negligent injury to a child stemming from a whipping incident that left bruises and wounds on much of his 4-year-old son.

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The Tennessee Titans running back, coming off a 1,243-yard season in 2012, was asked on ESPN’s “NFL Live” on Wednesday if he or the Minnesota Vikings’ Peterson, who threatened the all-time rushing record with his 2,097 yards, would have more rushing yards next season.

“Of course, ‘2K,” Johnson said, referring to his nickname — CJ2K — which he received after rushing for 2,006 yards in 2009.

When asked how confident he felt about his answer, he said he was “very confident.”

“I’ve always been a confident guy … if you want something to happen you have to speak on it, you have to believe in it. You just got to pray and God will lead you there. I know the type of guy that I am, the type of back that I am and if the situation is right I know I can do it,” he said.

Later, in an interview with the NFL Network, he took his goals to another level, saying he believes he can break Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards, which he set with the Los Angeles Rams in 1984.

“Every running back’s goal is to break that record,” Johnson said. “You want to break the 2,105. I believe I can do it.”

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Griffin recently returned to Washington, where he spent some time rehabbing. Those who know him insist he is a physical freak, not unlike Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who was able to rush for 2,097 yards and win the MVP award the season after undergoing major knee surgery.

The Redskins know there still is a long way to go, and they’re hardly going to rush Griffin. But they also know that based on what they’ve seen so far, it is well within the realm of possibility that Griffin will be the team’s starting quarterback in Week 1.

Griffin won The Associated Press 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award after setting the NFL record for best passer rating by a rookie quarterback and leading Washington to its first NFC East title in 13 years.

Griffin, who underwent surgery last month to repair a torn ACL and LCL suffered in the Redskins’ wild-card playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks, said at the NFL’s awards ceremony earlier this month: “It’s truly a blessing to be up there — to be able to stand, first and foremost.”

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It’s not clear when the injury occurred during Peterson’s MVP season, which also included participation in the Pro Bowl. But the Vikings began listing Peterson on their injury report with an “abdomen” injury before their Week 15 game at the St. Louis Rams.

Peterson ran for 212 yards in that game, was limited to 86 yards the following week at the Houston Texans and then had 199 against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. He finished the season with 2,097 yards, the second most in NFL history.

The team said in a statement that it expects “a speedy recovery” and that no long-term issues are expected.

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Peterson, who came within 9 yards of breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record, and Watt, who led the NFL with 20 1/2 sacks, were selected by all 50 members of a nationwide panel of media members who cover the league.

Peterson is a three-time All-Pro, while Watt represents lots of new blood. He’s among 17 players making their All-Pro debuts.

“Obviously it’s a huge honor, especially for being such a young guy,” said Watt, a second-year pro. “It’s crazy to even think about. It’s very humbling and very motivating. It makes me want to do it again and again.”

Peyton Manning made his sixth team, the previous five while quarterbacking Indianapolis. He led Denver to the AFC’s best record, 13-3.

Also chosen for the sixth time was Atlanta tight end Tony Gonzalez, who this season moved into second place on the career receptions list. San Francisco linebacker Patrick Willis made it for the fifth time in his six pro seasons.

The 49ers had the most All-Pros, six: Willis, fellow LBs NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith, guard Mike Iupati, safety Dashon Goldson and punter Andy Lee.

“As an organization, we take great pride in the success and recognition of our players,” 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said. “This type of acknowledgement only comes from hard work and a team-first mentality, which all six of these men exhibit on a daily basis. They play the game the way it was meant to be played, and are very deserving of this honor.”

Seattle was next with RB Marshawn Lynch, center Max Unger, cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Earl Thomas. All were selected for the first time.

Sherman was incensed when he didn’t make the Pro Bowl. He was thrilled with the news he made the All-Pro team “because that’s comparing the whole league.”

” That is taking individuals and saying they are the best in the NFL at that position and that’s what I wanted to be,” Sherman said. ” The Pro Bowl is taking three from each side, it’s more of a popularity contest. The All-Pro, you’re the best at your position. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fifth-rounder or fourth-rounder or undrafted. If you play the best, you’re All-Pro.”

Denver had three All-Pros: LB Von Miller, tackle Ryan Clady and Manning. No other team had more than two.

The NFC had 17 players and only 10 made it from the AFC.

One rookie, Minnesota kicker Blair Walsh, was chosen.

Also on offense were Baltimore fullback Vonta Leach, making it for the third straight year; Detroit WR Calvin Johnson and Chicago WR Brandon Marshall; Houston tackle Duane Brown; New Orleans guard Jahri Evans, making his fourth consecutive appearance; Baltimore kick returner Jacoby Jones; Miami DE Cameron Wake; Cincinnati DT Geno Atkins and New England DT Vince Wilfork; and Chicago CB Charles Tillman.

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Past everyone except Eric Dickerson.

Peterson became the seventh player to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, plowing through the Green Bay Packers for a 20-yard gain that put him over the top in the third quarter Sunday. He finished with 199 yards and a touchdown in the 37-34 victory, leaving him nine yards shy of breaking Dickerson’s single-season record.

“Ultimately we got the ‘W’,” Peterson said after carrying the ball a career-high 34 times. “We said during the week, if it happens, it happens. Don’t focus on it.”

Peterson needed 208 yards when the day began to break Dickerson’s record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. His 26-yard run late in the fourth quarter set up Blair Walsh’s winning field goal, a kick that clinched a playoff berth for the Vikings. He’ll have to settle for the second-best total — 2,097 yards — and a trip to Lambeau Field for a playoff rematch next Saturday night.

“I know Eric Dickerson is feeling so good right now,” Peterson said with a chuckle, referencing public comments from Dickerson a few weeks back saying he hoped Peterson didn’t break his record. “But God willing, I’ll get it next year.”

Dickerson exalted in keeping the record but also congratulated Peterson on Twitter.

“AdrianPeterson Just want to say that you are a Great player & if my record had to fall, I would like it to go to a player like you AP. ED,” Dickerson tweeted.

The New Orleans Saints also rewrote the NFL record books Sunday, as Drew Brees became the first player to pass for 5,000 yards in a single season three times. His four TD passes gave him 43 in 2012, and he’s the first player with 40 TD passes in consecutive seasons.

The Saints defense gave up 530 yards, raising their season total to 7,042 to break the old record of 6,793 allowed by the 1981 Baltimore Colts.

It also was a record-setting day for Seattle’s Russell Wilson, who tied Peyton Manning’s NFL record for most touchdown passes by a rookie with 26 after a third-quarter score in a 20-13 win over St. Louis.

Detroit’s Matthew Stafford finished the season with an NFL-record 727 pass attempts, topping Drew Bledsoe’s mark of 691 from 1994. But he fell short of a second consecutive 5,000-yard season, finishing at 4,967.

Houston’s J.J. Watt failed to eclipse Michael Strahan’s NFL sacks record (22 1/2). Watt finished with 20 1/2, while 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith went without a sack for the third straight game, winding up with 19 1/2.

Even without the rushing record, Peterson’s remarkable comeback season now has a magic number to punctuate it.

Peterson came in 102 yards shy of joining O.J. Simpson, Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis, Jamal Lewis and Chris Johnson in the 2,000-yard club. Peterson is the only one to do it after reconstructive knee surgery, and he did it on the one-year anniversary of his knee surgery.

“He is without question the best running back in our game and truly, in my mind, the MVP of our league,” Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said. “We don’t win this game without Adrian Peterson.”

Sanders also praised Peterson on Twitter.

“I’d like to congratulate @AdrianPeterson on an amazing season, comeback, and career thus far,” Sanders tweeted. “Its nice to welcome you to the 2K club.”

The Vikings punted a few plays after Peterson’s big run, and the crowd gave him a standing ovation when the achievement was announced. Peterson took it all in stride, waving politely, but otherwise not making anything special out of it in a game the Vikings needed to win to make the playoffs. He simply didn’t have time to reflect on the long, arduous path it took for him to get there after tearing the ACL in his left knee.

It was only last December when Peterson crumpled to the turf in Washington, two ligaments torn, leaving many to wonder if his career would ever be the same.

Well, it hasn’t been.

Peterson vowed from the very beginning to return better than ever from an injury that has ended the careers of so many before him. There weren’t many believers, including in his own locker room.

But a combination of uncommon genetics, unshakable determination and a smart rehabilitation plan from Vikings athletic trainer Eric Sugarman had Peterson back in the starting lineup on opening day.

Peterson scored two touchdowns in the opener but didn’t top 100 yards in a game until Week 4 when he went for 102 against the Lions. As the season went on, the scar tissue in his knee started to break up and Peterson took off like a purple rocket.

His cuts are sharper, his vision better and his patience is making the difference between a 4-yard plunge through the line and a 40-yard dash down the sideline.

He went on a breathtaking eight-game run, amassing 1,313 yards and topping 200 yards twice in four games to vault into the MVP discussion and make 2,000 yards a possibility.

When asked this week to describe his running style in one word, Peterson replied: “Vicious.”

That certainly sums it up.

He got off to a fast start with 61 yards and a touchdown on the first two drives, hearing chants of “MVP! MVP!” just before he surged into the end zone for a 7-yard score and a 10-0 Vikings lead. He also had runs of 12 and 21 yards early to get the Vikings going in this win-and-they’re-in game.

“I don’t let awards identify me,” Peterson said. “I don’t do it. I go out and define myself by what I do on the field. Whether I win it or not, and I’m not saying I don’t want to, just like I wanted to break the record, either way, in my heart I’m the MVP. That’s all that matters.”

The Vikings have followed Peterson’s lead in what most observers expected to be a rebuilding year. Peterson has carried the offense on his broad shoulders, turning the Vikings into a throwback attack that relies almost exclusively on the run for its big plays.

“Congrats to (Adrian) Peterson on becoming the 7th member of the 2K club,” Johnson tweeted, “now let’s see who can run down ED.”

With second-year quarterback Christian Ponder going through some highs and lows, and the Vikings missing top receiver Percy Harvin with an ankle injury, the passing offense has ranked last in the league. Peterson is averaging more yards per rush than Ponder does per pass and his seven rushes of 50 yards tied him with Sanders in 1997 for the NFL record.

All the while, Peterson has said he’d take the first postseason berth in three years over 2,000 yards any day. But it was no secret that the individual achievement was important to him.

Unlike baseball, the NFL has few numbers that immediately grab the public’s attention. One of those is 2,000 yards, especially in this new pass-happy league. Peterson entered the game with 1,898 yards, more than 400 better than Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch, who was in second place.

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