Adrian Peterson

The Minnesota Vikings are relying on Christian Ponder to make big strides in 2013, from an inconsistent and mistake-prone youngster to a reliable and cocksure veteran worthy of sharing the same backfield with MVP running back Adrian Peterson.

Colin Kaepernick marched the offense with six straight completions during a series that ended with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Quinton Patton, and Aldon Smith and Justin Smith plowed through Minnesota’s offensive line to make plays and hard-hitting tackles in the 49ers’ 34-14 exhibition victory over the Vikings on Sunday night.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Johnny Manziel is being investigated by the NCAA for allegedly signing autographs for a profit, and Minnesota Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson thinks Manziel should get paid.

Adrian Peterson helmet cam from training camp...it's as close as you'll ever get to being AP.

Adrian Peterson set the NFL's single-game rushing record as a rookie for the Minnesota Vikings. His swift recovery from reconstructive left knee surgery last season included a jaw-dropping 2,097 yards rushing and the league MVP award. No matter how rare the feat he's asked about, Peterson will usually insist it's possible. There's another test he'd eagerly take: for human growth hormone.

Adrian Peterson was inside working out while the Minnesota Vikings went through minicamp on a warm Wednesday afternoon. But this is precisely when the Vikings believe they can spare the time for Peterson to rest. The last year and a half, after all, has been quite the whirlwind of pain, grueling work and eye-popping gain.

Adrian Peterson's rehabilitation has been a lot easier this year. The NFL MVP is fully participating in practice this week with the Minnesota Vikings and says he's "pretty much 100 percent" healed from the surgery he had in February to repair a sports hernia.

NBA journeyman Jason Collins came out as the first professional gay athlete, and Robbie Rogers played in an MLS game becoming the first gay athlete to play in a prominent North American pro league on Sunday night.

Does the rushing record belong to A.P.?

Goes under the knife in Philly