Adrian Peterson is able to look at his 2014 away from football on the commissioner's exempt list as a blessing in hindsight.

“A blessing in disguise,” said Peterson. “I was able to rest my body. And sometimes you’ve got to be humbled. There were things I was doing that God didn’t want me to do. I think it’s a good thing I was able to sit back and get my life in order.”

Peterson has also been motivated by turning 30 in March.

“People on the outside all say, ‘You’re 30, you’re 30, you’re 30,” Peterson said. “It’s too old for a running back. I heard it over and over and over. That’s not the only thing that motivates me, but it helps when everyone tells you that you can’t do something, and you know you can do it.”