Adrian Peterson doesn't know what his Minnesota future might hold, but he is convinced Vikings' fans still have his back.

"I think the organization would take a heavy hit, more so from the fan base," Peterson told USA Today of all the persistent rumors the team might move to deal him before opening its new, $1 billion stadium in 2016. "I don't think it would be like a LeBron James situation where they're burning my jersey, this, that and the other. They might be doing the opposite and not buying some season tickets."

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Indeed, since joining the team in 2007, Peterson has served as the heart and soul of the organization, rushing for at least 1,200 yards in six of his seven NFL seasons, including more than 2,000 in 2012. But he'll be 31 by the time the Vikes open their new stadium, and who's to say what kind of player he may still be by then, particularly when you consider the fact he has now undergone some sort of surgery in three straight off seasons.

Over that same time, the Vikes have parted ways with fellow veteran, one-time franchise mainstays Jared Allen and Percy Harvin.

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"You couldn't have told me that at least two or three of those guys wouldn't still be here," added Peterson. "It just goes to show how the business is. Ultimately, the organization is going to do what they feel is best for their team. If that's going younger or trying to save money, that's what it boils down to, no matter what type of talent you are. Hopefully, it doesn't happen to me one day."