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At Pro Bowl, Peterson doesn't plan to let up

Published: January 25, 2013 Comment on this article

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Pro Bowl has become so diluted by player withdrawals, Super Bowl qualifiers and minimal effort that the NFL considered pulling the plug on it.

photo - FILE - Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) walks off the field after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers in this Jan. 5, 2013 file photo taken in Green Bay, Wis. Peterson says motivation to play hard so soon after the physically taxing season is often missing for many, but he argues that letting up is more dangerous. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

FILE - Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) walks off the field after an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers in this Jan. 5, 2013 file photo taken in Green Bay, Wis. Peterson says motivation to play hard so soon after the physically taxing season is often missing for many, but he argues that letting up is more dangerous. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

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Article Gallery: At Pro Bowl, Peterson doesn't plan to let up

The future of the annual all-star game will be assessed again this spring, based partly on how Sunday's game turns out, and in the event of a cancellation it's a safe bet that Adrian Peterson won't be the reason. Some of his Minnesota Vikings teammates there this week also bring a perspective that goes beyond the simple pleasure of a free midwinter trip to Hawaii.

Fullback Jerome Felton is a first-time selection. Tight end Kyle Rudolph, an injury replacement pick along with linebacker Chad Greenway, is also a Pro Bowl rookie. Defensive end Jared Allen wanted to delay surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder until after the game. Kicker Blair Walsh was so appreciative of the honor he paid for long snapper Cullen Loeffler to join him for the week.