NFL Star Adrian Peterson’s Toddler Died After Beating

Allegedly beaten by mother's boyfriend

ADRIAN PETERSON

Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson’s 2-year-old son died Friday afternoon following a savage beating Wednesday night, the Argus Leader reports.

The toddler was allegedly beaten by Joseph Patterson, who had been dating his mother, TMZ reports. When police arrived at the boy’s apartment at 5:45pm Wednesday, he was unresponsive.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota police charged Joseph Robert Patterson, 27, with aggravated assault and aggravated assault on an infant, USA Today reports.

Peterson said Friday afternoon that he would still play on Sunday.

The boy’s name was not released, but he is not Adrian Peterson Jr., who has been frequently photographed with his father.

(ALSO)

Adrian Peterson on why he's playing after son's death

Adrian Peterson is playing for the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, just a few days after experiencing the most painful loss imaginable.

It's a personal decision, and we don't believe any discussion about the merits of the decision are appropriate. It's his choice. On Sunday, in a text message to Laura Okmin of Fox Sports, Peterson explained his thinking:

"My brother passed the night before the combine and I decided to go through with it," he wrote. "The same reason why I will play this week. You may ask why? God wants good to come from it ... We mourn and grieve but heaven had the baddest welcoming party for my son. That knowledge gives me peace.

"I'm still hurt and feel the pain of life, but I'm able to function because of the peace and joy of knowing my loved ones are in a much better place."

JOSEPH PATTERSON (BELOW)

Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

Revelation 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

Numbers 35:20 But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;

21 Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.