Adrian Peterson didn’t show for minicamp with the Minnesota Vikings but he’ll be in training camp on time even if his contract status is eating at him, which the veteran running back wouldn’t say one way or the other.

Peterson denied that he skipped out on mandatory minicamp in June to attend the fourth annual Adrian Peterson Day in Palestine, Texas, because he was hot and bothered about the status of his contract. The date was scheduled way in advance and there couldn’t be an AP Day without the man himself. Right?

“Oh yeah I'll be there,” Peterson told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “Without a shadow of a doubt. Whether there is contract talk or not, I will be there.”

Peterson is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract that was worth a maximum of $40 million. The sixth year of the deal voids, meaning Peterson has this year and next. He’ll earn $7 million this season and will earn at least $10 million in 2011 if not as much as $13 million if he hits certain escalators. So, Peterson is set to cash in on $17 million to $20 million in the next two seasons. That’s not the issue. He would like the kind of longterm commitment that can be elusive for running backs. Given the history of the position and injuries, you can understand the Vikings’ reluctance. Given Peterson’s tremendous production, you can understand his side of the issue just as easily.

“Do I want a new contract?” Peterson said. “Anytime you're dealing with a business .... you've got the business side to it and you've got your side when you've got to go out and perform. With that being said, I focus on what I have to do and that's prepare myself for the season and I let my agents take care of everything else. I am excited about training camp and I'm ready to get going. I'm sure I'm more pumped up than the coaches. Just excited.”

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