Running with the NFL's ‘in' crowd<br/><span class='hl2'>Peterson's most popular in purple</span>

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bill Henkel has been in sports marketing for more than 10 years, has worked with 100-plus clients and secured more than 1,000 endorsement deals.

He spent eight years at IMG, where clients included Peyton and Eli Manning and LaDainian Tomlinson.

Here's how Henkel feels about the marketability of his new prize, Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson:

"I'll tell you what,” Henkel said, "Adrian's right up there with those guys.”

Henkel is managing partner of 10 Sports Marketing, which has offices in Kansas City, Mo., and Houston.

Rather than Henkel going to Peterson as is usually the case, Peterson will come to Henkel at noon today when the Vikings face the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

Henkel has had his eye on Peterson since the 6-foot-1, 217-pound uber back was obliterating the competition at Palestine (Texas) High School and excelling at Okalahoma.

The high hopes Henkel had for Peterson have done nothing but rise ever since they joined forces last January.

"He's got the smile and the body to do that at the next level,” Henkel said. "He's a great guy, very polite. He's just the whole package.”

Though he was a holdout for five days at the outset of training camp, Peterson appears to fit well in his new surroundings after agreeing to a five-year deal that included $17 million guaranteed.

Even all-pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams, who played at Oklahoma State, immediately accepted the OU product.

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