The Sports Xchange

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is returning to the team after being away from the only franchise he has played for since September 2014.

“I’m returning because I want to. I’m a part of this football team and I owe it to the guys I play with and to our coaches,” Peterson told multiple media outlets. “I was planning on coming in this week, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the field. It’s what I love to do.”

Peterson, 30, returns from the team and NFL hiatus prompted by child abuse charges centered on the All-Pro using a tree branch to discipline his then-4-year-old son. Peterson reached agreement on lesser charges and was cleared by the NFL last month to return to the Vikings.

He said last week the Vikings should “honor his contract,” in a Twitter-based rant that argued pro football contracts that are not guaranteed are unfair and give too much power to teams. Peterson is owed $12.75 million for the 2015 season and $46 million for the remaining three years on his deal.

“It’s time to move forward and put my energy and focus on preparing for the season,” Peterson said.

The Vikings were adamant Peterson would not play elsewhere. General manager Rick Spielman denied he was shopped during the 2015 NFL Draft in April, when reports linked the Vikings to the Cardinals and Cowboys in trade talks.

Coach Mike Zimmer said last week following the second OTA workout of the spring for the Vikings that Peterson would never play for another team.