The Minnesota Vikings have made their in-person pitch to Adrian Peterson, the latest step toward resolving the star running back's unclear status.
Whether it's keeping him or turning to a trade, the Vikings will likely make up their minds soon about whether Peterson will continue his NFL career in purple.
General manager Rick Spielman and head coach Mike Zimmer spent about four hours Wednesday afternoon at Peterson's home north of Houston. KHOU-TV recorded video of Peterson emerging from the gated mansion wearing a white T-shirt and black workout pants to greet the pair with a hug. Spielman and Zimmer left together later, dressed in sport coats and blue jeans, while photographers from several media outlets captured on camera their departure in a gray car.
This was the first time they've had with Peterson since he was placed on paid leave in mid-September following his indictment in a child-abuse case involving his 4-year-old son that was resolved with a plea bargain.
The NFL later suspended Peterson without pay under the personal conduct policy, a punishment supposed to be in effect through April 15. But last week a federal judge overruled the league's arbitrator who had denied Peterson's appeal. The NFL promptly appealed the decision to a higher court and put Peterson back on the exempt list in the meantime, which created the opportunity for direct contact by the Vikings.
Peterson told ESPN in a recent interview he's uneasy about returning to the organization, though he's still under contract with a $12.75 million base salary for 2015. His agreement to the meeting Wednesday stemmed from his respect for Zimmer, for whom he's only played one game.