With a Beverly Hills smile and Hall of Fame promise, Adrian Peterson would be a welcome addition to the Hollywood scene in southern California. The odds seem unlikely the Vikings will relocate to Los Angeles anytime soon, but an expiring lease at Mall of America Field and new stadium uncertainty in Minnesota encourages all kinds of speculation about the franchise’s future.
Peterson’s reputation as the NFL’s best running back and his personal charm would cast him perfectly as a celebrity in Los Angeles. Southern California thrives on the star system and has been entertained by some of the classic names in sports through the years, from Sandy Koufax to Kobe Bryant.
An L.A. NFL team would need a box office draw and even on a bad team Peterson will command adulation from fans and sponsors. A superstar like Peterson means butts in the seats and eyeballs on TV.
That’s part of the reason committing Peterson to a seven year contract that practically guarantees the 26-year-old running back will play his entire career in Purple was a smart move by the Vikings. So, too, was signing linebacker Chad Greenway, 28, to a new deal. Owner Zygi Wilf has committed over $140 million in contract money to Peterson and Greenway.
Savvy business decisions. The Vikings, 12-4 two years ago, appear to be rebuilding. Keeping Greenway and Peterson around sends a message the Vikings aren’t interested in fire sales. Just the contrary. Ownership wants to win and build a Super Bowl contender.
That’s a good mantra to send fans, business supporters and legislative backers for a new stadium. But the commitment to Greenway and Peterson, both of whom agreed to deals just last week, brings clout beyond the Minnesota constituency.
If the Wilf family wants to sell or relocate the team, player personnel assets add to value. Peterson and Greenway won’t have their names on the company year-end financial statements but their presence on the roster has value in determining the worth of this franchise ─ wherever it’s located.
Could it be L.A.? The NFL doesn’t like relocating existing franchises, and Los Angeles has been without a team since 1995 when the Rams left for St. Louis. Through the years it almost seems like a “flavor of the month” has been the norm regarding new stadium ideas in southern California. And still there’s nothing finalized on a new venue for a Los Angeles team.