NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vikings running back Adrian Peterson knows he's not getting any younger, but that doesn't mean he can't keep piling up numbers, and punishing defenses.
In his mind, age is just a number, no matter how often he's reminded of it. In fact, when he turned 30 last March, he celebrated the day in grand fashion.
"I had a house party in Houston,'' Peterson said. "I had nine acres out there and I set up big tents. I came in on a camel. All my family and friends were there. Jamie Foxx came and performed a little bit. It was a night to remember."
Peterson will visit Nashville on Sunday when the Vikings face the Titans.
During a conference call on Wednesday, Peterson talked about Titans running backs DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, in addition to his own mindset heading into his 10th NFL season.
"I knew from day one when he stepped on campus that he would be an NFL running back,'' Peterson said of Murray, who played at Oklahoma, just as Peterson did. "Just by being able to see what he brings, his qualities not only running the ball, but as a receiver as well. He still possesses those qualities with the quickness, the vision and the ability to take it to the house."
Peterson said he's also been impressed with Henry, last year's Heisman Trophy winner.
"I've seen him a lot, watching Alabama,'' Peterson said of Henry. "He's a physical back, decent speed, good vision. He's just a big body guy who is not scared to run north and south."
Peterson led the NFL in rushing (1,485 yards) in 2015, and tied for the league lead with 11 touchdowns. He is one of three running backs in NFL history (HOFers Marion Motley and Curtis Martin) to lead the NFL in rushing at 30-plus years old.
Peterson has 11,675 yards and 97 touchdowns since entering the league in 2007.
Peterson said he's ready to lead the Vikings again this fall, and being the "backbone" of the team.
"I take a lot of pride in it,'' Peterson said. "I put a lot of work into what I do, to be able to come out and perform, and be the best at what I do as well. There's a lot of pride that comes with that, especially when everyone is calling you old.
"… I have always been a firm believer in age is just a number. I have seen so many great athletes – 35, 36, 37, 38, 40-year-old guys – do incredible things. If anything, that is what motivates me. … (I look at) guys that played at a high level for a long time, I am able to look back and say, 'Hey, these guys just did it, why can't I do it?' And I just put the work in."
Vikings Mike Zimmer said Peterson, who's now 31, has shown no signs of slowing down.
"He has looked great like he always does," Zimmer said of Peterson. "He has the acceleration and the vision. All those things look exactly the same to me. He is an unbelievable worker in the offseason. He came back, and he has six percent body fat at 219 pounds or something. He is Adrian to me. He looks no different than he has."
Titans coach Mike Mularkey said the focus on Sunday will center on stopping Peterson.
Henry, who said he's admired Peterson from afar, is looking forward to seeing him in person.
"It's going to be cool to be on the same field as him,'' Henry said of Peterson. "He is a great back. Every back looks at him like 'Wow." Hopefully I'll get to meet him after (the game)."
