Adrian Peterson believes he can play at a 'high level' until he's 40
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has long made it known he believes he's the exception, not the rule, when it comes to the short careers of players at his position.
While most running backs' careers fall of a cliff beyond age 30, Peterson believes he's physically capable of playing for a decade past that mark.
"I honestly think I can do this, and do it at a high level, till I'm 40," Peterson told Peter King of The MMQB.
However, Peterson believes that while his body will be able to continue, his mind won't be as willing.
"I can, but will I? Honestly, I don't think I will," Peterson said. "Mentally, I don't know. Once I get to 38, I don't think I'll have the same love of the game. Sometimes I get tired of training camp. I think I can endure five more (camps), but after that, I don't know."
Peterson has yet to show any signs of decline, taking home the NFL's rushing title for the third time in his career last season, racking up 1,485 yards and 11 touchdowns. Because of this, Peterson isn't worried about being knocked from his perch by young backs like Todd Gurley or Ezekiel Elliott.
"Not to be cocky or anything, but I know, at 31, my end is going to be better than my beginning," Peterson said. "One thing I know, and will remain true: These young guys will never outwork me. I put my body through the grind. Just knowing how my body remains healthy, age is not really affecting me. It's my mindset. I don't get into the 30-year-old running-back thing, that you're done at 30. I am getting stronger with age. Honest, last year was a disappointment to me, because I know I can do more. Honest, it was."
The Vikings were one of 2015's surprise playoff squads, but are now considered among the league's most complete teams. After a heartbreaking last-second loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the wild-card round, Peterson believes his team is capable of going all the way this upcoming season.
"We are going to have a good chance to win it this year - win everything," he said. "Sit back and watch. Sit back and watch. You can be like, 'I thought you guys were at least a couple of years away.' Nope. You sit back and watch, this year."