Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson verbally ran over NFL players complaining about the NFL pad rule.
NFL.com reported Tuesday that the Vikings star who ran for 2,097 yards last season had a response for those players who are denouncing the league's new requirements on the use of thigh and knee pads.
"I'll call BS on that," the Minnesota Vikings running back told Mike Garafolo of FOXSports.com on Tuesday. "It's like, 'You're a National Football League player. If a pad that doesn't weigh but a couple of ounces slows you down, you don't need to be playing in this league.' Like, come on now. Seriously.
"Guys like to be pretty, not wear the thigh pads and knee pads, but it protects you. There have been plenty of times I got hit in my knee and when I had my pants pulled up too high and that pad wasn't there to protect it. It didn't feel good. So I make sure I keep my pads pulled down and covering my knee just to be able to protect my body."
The NFL actually approved the rule in 2012 but allowed the players the option of not putting on the pads. This season, the league will enforce the rule.
"The more important deterrent, quite frankly, is that player will be removed from the game, and no player wants to miss time on game day," NFL vice president of football operations Merton Hanks told USA Today earlier this month. "Can you imagine having a player that you've designed a play for not in the game because he's chosen not to adhere to the padding options that every other player has to adhere to?"
Any player sent to the sidelines can reenter the game once he has the appropriate gear.
NFL.com reported that several players scoffed at the idea last year, saying that Denver Broncos cornerback Quentin Jammer called the rule "dumb" in 2012 and San Diego Chargers linebacker Jarret Johnson labeled the rule a "PR stunt."
Peterson believes in pad use.
"The guys who are around me know: 'Shoot, Adrian wore every pad there is -- elbow pads, forearm pads.' They're surprised I don't have a neck roll on," Peterson was quoted as saying.
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