While it may not have been a trade that Adrian Peterson was actively seeking, it was one that he was praying for. On Tuesday, his prayers were answered as news broke that the former All-Pro running back was traded to the Cardinals.
"It was like, 'Thank you, Jesus," Peterson told reporters Wednesday during his first news conference as a Cardinal.
Peterson's time in New Orleans was short-lived after playing four games for the Saints with only 27 carries for 81 yards and no touchdowns. He signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Saints this offseason, but after just a month he was ready for a change.
"I'll be lying to you to say that I didn't want a change of scenery after four weeks of seeing how things played out," Peterson said. "So, yeah, it was something that I was praying about -- 'Hey, God, I need you to answer this prayer for me. Are you listening to me?' But in the midst of that, I was still tuned in and locked in."
While Peterson, 32, did enjoy his time in New Orleans, he was "unsettled" with his role after starting one of four games.
"It was unfortunate when you have three backs in that system, but what they asked from a running back, we all could do," Peterson said. "Mark (Ingram) could've did it well. The young guy was someone they were intrigued about, so he pretty much got the role."
Peterson will be the featured back with the Cardinals and practiced with the team on Wednesday during a walk-through. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Peterson practiced everything and he will "be ready to go" Sunday against the Buccaneers. As the team's primary option in the backfield, Peterson indicated he already has respect with the franchise.
"It shows that you're appreciated. Someone in the organization believes in you and what you're able to do," Peterson said. "I have a lot left in the tank. Stay tuned. Stay tuned and you guys will be able to see that firsthand."
ope:
"It was like, 'Thank you, Jesus," Peterson told reporters Wednesday during his first news conference as a Cardinal.
Peterson's time in New Orleans was short-lived after playing four games for the Saints with only 27 carries for 81 yards and no touchdowns. He signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Saints this offseason, but after just a month he was ready for a change.
"I'll be lying to you to say that I didn't want a change of scenery after four weeks of seeing how things played out," Peterson said. "So, yeah, it was something that I was praying about -- 'Hey, God, I need you to answer this prayer for me. Are you listening to me?' But in the midst of that, I was still tuned in and locked in."
While Peterson, 32, did enjoy his time in New Orleans, he was "unsettled" with his role after starting one of four games.
"It was unfortunate when you have three backs in that system, but what they asked from a running back, we all could do," Peterson said. "Mark (Ingram) could've did it well. The young guy was someone they were intrigued about, so he pretty much got the role."
Peterson will be the featured back with the Cardinals and practiced with the team on Wednesday during a walk-through. Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Peterson practiced everything and he will "be ready to go" Sunday against the Buccaneers. As the team's primary option in the backfield, Peterson indicated he already has respect with the franchise.
"It shows that you're appreciated. Someone in the organization believes in you and what you're able to do," Peterson said. "I have a lot left in the tank. Stay tuned. Stay tuned and you guys will be able to see that firsthand."
ope:
