Viktor
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- Mar 19, 2019
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“I know there's probably some questions coming about playing the Washington Redskins, my former team. In honesty, it happens all the time,” Cousins said. “Players have to play former coaches, former teams, former teammates, and I'm no different in this case. Honestly for me, when I think of my time in Washington, I just think of the word gratitude.
“I'm so grateful that I was drafted by them. When 31 other teams hadn't picked me, the Redskins picked me. That means a great deal to me, and I just have tremendous memories of the games there, the teammates and the coaches and I'm so grateful of the people I got to work with,” Cousins added. “The quarterback I am, the player I am and where I am in this league now is largely the result of the coaches I got to play for there and the way they impacted me and the teammates I got to play with. So, in a way it's challenging to play your old team because you have so much respect for the people on the other side of the field, but that's what Thursday night calls for, and that's what we're going to do.”
Keenum and Peterson are in the same boat, but they will be wearing burgundy instead of Purple on Thursday night.
Peterson is only the best running back in Vikings history, as he holds Vikings records in rushing attempts (2,418), yards (11,747) and touchdowns (97). He played in Minnesota from 2007-2016, and played the Vikings in the 2017 season opener when he was with New Orleans.
His former teammates and coaches admire the 34-year-old, who has climbed to eighth all-time in rushing with 13,625 career yards.
“Running backs typically don’t have such long, long careers,” said Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs. “But for him to be playing at such a high level for such a long period of time, it’s amazing to watch.
“I commend him, especially as a player for what he does on and off the field as far as taking care of his body and the things he does,” Diggs added. “He’s definitely a Hall of Famer.”
Added Zimmer: “He’s always had the speed and he’s always had the physicality of the way he runs. He’s going to lower his pads and try and run through tackles. Typically, those guys get beat up once they get older, and I don’t see that with him.”
Keenum spent far less time in Minnesota than Peterson, playing just the 2017 season with the Vikings.
After fighting to make the team in training camp, Keenum eventually started 14 games after Sam Bradford was injured.
He threw for 3,547 yards with 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions, but is most remembered for connecting with Diggs on the “Minneapolis Miracle” in the Divisional Round playoff win over New Orleans.