NFL Notes: Adrian Peterson, Richard Sherman, Vaccination Rates

Adrian Peterson

Veteran free agent RB Adrian Peterson said he’s still training and reiterated that he’s ready for an opportunity with an NFL organization. 

“The training is going well and I’m going to control the things that I can control right now, and, when that time comes, somebody will give me a call,” Peterson said, via Aaron Wilson. “That’s all I’m asking for. My body feels good. I came out healthy from last season. My body feels strong. I still feel young. I still feel good. I’m ready to play ball.”

Peterson, who currently has 14,820 career rushing yards, said he’s still “chasing” Emmitt Smith‘s record of 18,355 yards and would like to eclipse one of Walter Payton‘s 16,726 yards), Frank Gore‘s 16,000, or Barry Sanders‘ 15,269 yards. 

“Yeah, I’ve been chasing it for a long time,” Peterson said. “It would be nice to finally get one.”

Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman wrote the following statement on Friday saying that he is “deeply remorseful” for the situation which led to his arrest on Wednesday morning and is committed to seeking help for his mental health. 

“I am deeply remorseful for my actions on Tuesday night,” Sherman wrote on his official Twitter. “I behaved in a manner I am not proud of. I have been dealing with some personal challenges over the last several months, but that is not an excuse for how I acted. The importance of mental and emotional health is extremely real and I vow to get the help I need. I appreciate all of the people who have reached out in support of me and my family, including our community here in Seattle. I am grateful to have such an amazing wife, family and support system to lean on during this time.”

• Sherman was officially charged with five misdemeanors, including driving under the influence, endangering roadway workers, resisting arrest, and domestic violence-related counts of malicious mischief and criminal trespass. (Mike Carter)

Vaccination Rates

• According to the Associated Press, two NFL teams currently have a vaccination rate below 50 percent. 
• Per someone with knowledge of the league’s vaccine numbers, the Colts and Washington Football Team had the two lowest vaccination rates in the league as of Friday.
• The Steelers, Dolphins, Panthers, and Broncos are among the teams with the highest vaccination rates, while 13 teams have at least 85 percent of their rosters with at least one shot.
• Tom Pelissero reports that 13 teams are over the 85 percent threshold with 73.8 percent of players have at least one shot.