Adrian Peterson: 'At the end of the day, I'll always be purple.'

The first fan in line to meet former Vikings star Adrian Peterson drove from St. Cloud and got to the Mall of America at 8 a.m. Saturday.

Because it's not every day that Adrian Schoumaker gets to meet a famous Adrian.

"My wife gave me a signed helmet for my birthday," Schoumaker said, holding a Super Bowl commemorative football for the running back to autograph. "I like him for the athlete he is.

And my name is Adrian."

Peterson was greeted by a throng crowded 10 people deep at the mall's Macy's store.

Smiling and waving, wearing a casual black suit, he greeted fans with a crushing handshake.

Peterson, who bounced from the New Orleans Saints to the Arizona Cardinals in his first season after a decade in Minnesota, said it was great to be back.

Peterson stayed home this postseason and watched two of his former teams battle for a chance at the Super Bowl. He said he was hoping to see former teammates such as Everson Griffen and Teddy Bridgewater make it to the big game.

Although some think his career may be nearing an end, Peterson said he thinks he could play at least three or four more years.

"I feel like the future is bright," he said, adding that he has one regret from his Minnesota days.

As a rookie, Peterson set the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers. One more carry would have given him a shot at being the first to rush for 300 yards in a game.