A whole new game for Peterson

Article by: Star Tribune
Updated: October 28, 2008 - 9:02 AM

The Vikings running back plays a kid in the new video game "Backyard Football '09."

The Vikings running back plays a kid in the new video game “Backyard Football ’09.”

Photo: Backyard Football '09,

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Adrian Peterson is one of the NFL's hot young players. But in the new video game "Backyard Football 09," the Minnesota Vikings' star running back is even younger. He and other NFL stars appear as kids in the game ($20-$40 for Wii, DS, PS2 and PC; www.atari.com), which features seven-on-seven play and is aimed at young gamers. We gave Peterson a call to ask about the family-friendly project.

Q Do you think the young you in the game looks like you?

A Oh, a little bit -- nice, neat haircut, smooth skin. [Laughs.]

Q How involved are you with games like this?

A I just sign licensing deals, and they come up with different stuff. I haven't actually seen the game play yet.

Q Do you play video games?

A I do from time to time. I'm not really big on games. I have a PlayStation 3 in my room and some games in there, but I mostly use it for DVDs.

Q Do you have a favorite video game?

A Probably "Battle for the Pacific" [a World War II shooter]. I play games like that.

Q Unlike the popular "Madden" NFL video games, "Backyard Football" is aimed at kids. Why is it important to reach out to young kids?

A Younger kids really look up to us [NFL players]. It's nice to reach out to little kids and give them the means to reach their too.

Q What can you, Adrian Peterson, do in a video game that you can't in real life?

A I don't know. I'll have to research that.

Q Well, what can you do in real life that you can't in a video game?

A A backward flip!

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