The running back and teammates were welcomed back to the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato on Saturday by a peppy crowd of Vikings fans as players checked into their dorm for Verizon Vikings Training Camp.
There were warm welcomes for all players, from veterans to undrafted rookies, strolling from the parking lot with suitcases, training recovery devices and an occasional flat screen and Xbox into what will be their home for three weeks, but the greeting for Peterson was particularly robust.
Helmets, signs, cereal boxes, posters, photos, Vikings jerseys and memorabilia from his college days were extended toward the running back as requests for an autograph cascaded down the line from fans that cheered his past accomplishments and are excited about his future with the Vikings.