Alexander Mattison wasn't sure this day would come, at least not in purple.
The Vikings' new No. 1 running back spent his first four seasons growing close to four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook. Mattison watched Cook dominate the playing time and stack up four consecutive seasons of 1,300-plus yards from scrimmage.
Behind the scenes, they were in awe of each other: Mattison by Cook's home-run plays and Cook by Mattison powering through defenders. They talked about how one day there'd only be room for one of them in Minnesota.
Mattison, a 2019 third-round pick, just assumed he'd be the one hitting the road.