It’s an unwritten tradition in sports: an aging star facing his former team which he was once its franchise star. And we’re about to see another episode of that next Monday when Adrian Peterson and the New Orleans Saints play their first game of the 2017 NFL season on the road against the Minnesota Vikings.

While it’s so tempting and convenient to build the story of this game around Peterson’s squaring off with the team that made him a superstar, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer thinks the matchup should be viewed as a team versus team affair and not Peterson taking on the Vikings all by himself.

At least that’s what Courtney Cronin of ESPN is reporting:

Article Continues Below
More Minnesota Vikings News
Featured image JJ McCarthy
Vikings’ JJ McCarthy gets encouraging update from ESPN’s Dan GrazianoDylan Fine ·
vikings, minnesota vikings, asante samuel jr.
1 perfect Minnesota Vikings move to fill out roster before 2025 training campGarrett Kerman ·
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sam Darnold reflects on Vikings’ brutal playoff loss vs RamsGuillermo Guajardo ·
vikings, minnesota vikings minicamp
3 hottest Minnesota Vikings takes coming out of 2025 minicampGarrett Kerman ·
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hands off the ball to running back Kalel Mullings (20) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
JJ McCarthy blames Michigan ‘stigma’ for ‘public doubt’Scotty White ·
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Kevin O’Connell’s ‘challenge’ to J.J. McCarthy before crowning QB1Ben Strauss ·

“I hope we have a chip on our shoulder,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “This game isn't about Adrian Peterson. It's about the Vikings and the Saints. They've got a lot of great offensive weapons. He's a great player, but this game isn't about Adrian Peterson.”

Peterson spent his first 10 seasons in the NFL playing in Minnesota before signing a two-year contract with New Orleans back in April. That was after the Vikings decided to not pick their team-option on the last year of Peterson’s previous contract.

Thus far in his illustrious career, Peterson has racked up 11,747 rushing yards and 97 rushing touchdowns. It remains to be seen, however, whether there’s juice left on his legs for him to provide significant help to the Saints’ offense coming out of the backfield.