The Washington Football Team on Friday released veteran running back Adrian Peterson in a shocking move that no one saw coming, especially after the team parted ways with Derrius Guice.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network first reported the news, while the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo added the 35-year-old rusher still plans to play this year.
Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins went on Twitter to share his thoughts about Peterson following the news:
“Growing up I was a huge AP fan,” Haskins wrote. “Having the opportunity to be his teammate and learn from him, has been an experience I’ll never forget. Thank you for always having my back big bro! I’m going to make you proud, best of luck!”
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Peterson later spoke to Josina Anderson about the release:
“It caught me by surprise. I was having a strong camp. It was showing up on film, taking No. 1 reps all the way to this week. I just got notified by the running backs coach yesterday that they want to give these young guys some reps, but I didn’t know I was going to get cut, there was no indication.
Today [Ron] Rivera just said, ‘This is always tough, but yes we’re gonna release you and go with this offensive style.’ I respect Coach. Look, [Antonio] Gibson is a hell of a talent. This system really fits him. I feel like I can do that pony style too, more as a receiving back. We were all working on it, but they really want one main guy to do it and they drafted Gibson for it.
Trust me, I still have a lot in me, more to strive for and do again even when there’s doubt. I feel strong and I can build on that as the season wears on. I’ll do it again.”
Peterson was the team’s leading rusher each of the past two seasons.
