Q & A with $100 million man Adrian Peterson

SAN DIEGO -- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson spoke with three of us at the team hotel about his new long-term deal with the team. It's a seven-year, $96 million deal that can rise to $100 million with an escalator, and comes with $36 million in guarantees, including $4 million that would be paid only if he's released due to an injury.

Q: How's it feel to get the deal done before the start of the season?

A: "It feels good, man. I know I'm a part of a great organization, a great group of guys as far as our team, a great fanbase. I've got so much support here. It's easy for me. So, I'm going to be able to sit back and relax and play the game I love and continue to go out to win championships each year."

Q: Do you view this as a Viking-for-life contract?

A: "I do. I do. I do. A seven-year deal, so I'll be what, like, 32? I feel like I can play a little longer than that, but that time will come. But I'm excited."

Q: Have you been playing it coy with us about the status of negotiations?

A: "I was putting it under the radar. I didn't want the main focus to be about the contract. Focusing on my job and what I have to do, and that was the best way to handle it, which was to say I've got my guys working on it and I'm doing my job. But we were just kind of going back in negotiation and trying to come up with something, and they came up with a great deal."

A: "Really, not really. I was really at ease. We opened up conversations, negotiations maybe like two weeks ago, when we really started talking numbers and things like that. They were able to come with different offers and things like that, and it was something that I had to sit back and just think about, figure out my point of view and … just put things in perspective just to see what was best for me and my family going forward. Thank God we were able to work out something."

Q: What's it mean to be highest-paid running back in NFL?

A: "It means a lot, man. It shows from ownership and just this organization, that they recognize that. They recognize the (player) that they have. It means a lot. But money don't make you -- it's hard work. Continuing to work hard and my focus is going to continue to be to help this team."

Q: Little more comfortable on the field with this security?

"Yeah, of course. You sit back and go, 'Hey, I've got 36 million guaranteed. That's not going anywhere.' I'm sure you'd be pretty comfortable, too. Comfortable, but not relaxed, because it's not going to take away from how I play this game, my passion about this game. I'm in this position because of how I play this game. But anytime you're making a business decision, you've got to factor all the things in -- even some of the things you don't want to think about. I don't think about injuries, but it's something you're going to factor in. So, I did that and we got a deal done. I'm happy."

A: "How important was it? It wasn't the back-breaker or anything. But it's good to have it in there. It is what it is."

Q: What if anything does this say about your faith in the organization and direction with Leslie Frazier?

A: "It says a lot, just starting with the ownership. This whole organization, Mark and Zygi -- great guys, just their personalities. I normally get a good feel for people with good hearts and are passionate about what they do. They might not know exactly the ins and outs about football, but I know when someone is passionate, and they show that. And just Coach Frazier -- I can't say enough about him. Just knowing that I'm going to be able to be around him for a long time means a lot to me, too. He's a great coach, but even better than that, just the person that he is. He's a God-fearing guy and somebody that I look up to and I can talk to. It was just a good situation. That's not even taking the guys that I'm surrounded around. Offensively, I've rattled off so many guys -- Percy, Shiancoe, you name it. And defensively, Antoine Winfield, Kevin Williams, Chad Greenway, guys that I'm going to be able to go up against and make myself better and vice versa. I'm happy right now, man. I'm excited, and I'm just going to enjoy this ride.

Q: Where are you taking the team to dinner?

A: "(Laughing) I told the guys it hasn't kicked in yet. But I'm sure I'll take care of the offense. The big guys will expect something. Not tonight, but eventually we're going to work something out."

A: "It showed a lot of commitment. I'm sure it's probably more like scratches for him. For real. But it shows commitment. I remember talking to Zygi last year when things were going up and down. Maybe two weeks before Childress got fired. I ran into him in the locker room. We were kind of going back and forth and he said, `Adrian, I just want you to know -- and he told Chad the same thing because he was right there -- he said `I want to make sure you guys are going to remain Vikings for your careers.' He stayed true to that today. He stayed true to his word."

Q: Did that moment stick with you through all these months?

A: "Yeah. He looked at us with those eyes and said that. So, yeah, it was something I remembered. I was like, `OK, yeah, we're going to see. We're going to see. It's a fun story I shared with people, and my family. And we got it done. That's what matters. I'm happy. That's all I can say. I'm excited."

Q: What does this contract mean to a guy who grew up with such modest means?

A: "I think back to where I came from. Mom working a couple of jobs to support us. Couple nights having to sleep in the car. There are different things like that you grow up with that kind of mold you. When you're put in this position, to remain humble because you're in this position because of the Man above looking over you. I haven't lived perfect, but in spite of that, He blessed me. I give all glory to Him."