Adrian Peterson Says He's Thinking of Playing 5 More Seasons, Talks Doubters

New Orleans Saints running back Adrian Peterson believes he can remain an effective weapon for at least five more NFL seasons, and he admitted people who doubt him provide added motivation to reach that goal.

On Wednesday, Nick Underhill of The Advocate passed along comments the former Minnesota Vikings superstar made about outsiders who don't think he can still be an elite rusher.

"I'd be lying to you say it doesn't give you a chip [on your shoulder]. Especially being a competitor," Peterson said. "It's not my main focus. It's something that drives you a little bit. After 30, because it was the same back then. 'Oh, he's 30.' Then I ended up leading the league [in rushing] in 2015. Same thing the next year. Stuff will continue to repeat itself until I finish."

The Vikings declined an $18 million option in the running back's contract for the 2017 season in February. He signed a far less lucrative two-year, $7 million deal with the Saints in April.

Peterson, who missed all but three games last year due to a torn meniscus, is now out to prove he's still one of the league's best at the position.

While the 32-year-old seven-time Pro Bowl selection is confident in his ability to beat Father Time, the numbers aren't on his side. Pro Football Reference noted running backs peak at age 27, and it's exceedingly rare for them to improve again after turning 31.

Peterson's meniscus injury last season stacks the odds further against him, but he did rush for 1,485 yards in 2015. In addition, Underhill noted other Saints players have "gushed" about the 2012 NFL MVP during the team's offseason work.

It should help Peterson to play alongside another proven rusher in Mark Ingram, as Ingram can help take some of the load off Peterson after his years of being a workhorse in Minnesota. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton thinks the two could form a perfect tandem, per Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune.

"I think the role will be very clear and defined," Payton said. "It's a tough, long 16-week season. I think that he's someone that certainly will be able to complement Mark. Those guys are different in some ways, and yet we feel like we've added another quality player."

If Peterson does return to top form, an already high-powered Saints offense could become the league's most potent unit in 2017.