Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for ESPYAdrian Peterson's 2-year-old son, who was hospitalized in critical condition, has died of injuries he suffered after allegedly being assaulted by his mother's boyfriend.
Joseph Robert Patterson, 27, has been charged with aggravated assault and battery on an infant and the Lincoln County State's Attorney's Office is considering additional charges, according to the Sioux City Police Department, which confirmed the death to E! News.
"I really appreciate all the support that I've been receiving from fans, the Vikings organization," the Minnesota Vikings star said during a brief press conference inside the locker room at Winter Park, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "This is a private matter and I would ask you all to please just respect my privacy and not ask at all about the situation at hand. Thanks."
Peterson said that he still plans to play Sunday at home against the Carolina Panthers.
"I'll be ready to roll, focused," he said.
The Pro Bowl running back, who bounced back from a torn ACL and MCL last season to be named MVP, then took to Twitter to say thanks for the support that's been offered his way.
"Thank you to my family, my fans and fans of other teams for their support," he wrote. "The NFL is a fraternity of brothers and I am thankful for the tweets, phone calls and text messages from my fellow players. God Bless everyone and thank u so much."
Peterson also has a young daughter, Adeja, according to SI.com.