Fire up another round of the "Adrian Peterson wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys' discussions.
In an ESPN "Outside the Lines" story, writer Don Van Natta Jr. reported that Peterson told Dallas owner Jerry Jones in a June phone call he'd like to play for the Cowboysonce his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings ends.
"Well, I understand, Adrian," Jones told Peterson during the call, per Van Natta. "I'd like that, too ... Well, I love your story. I love your daddy's story. I've always respected what you've been about. I've always been a fan of yours."
This isn't the first time Peterson has fanaticized about playing for the Cowboys. The Texas native said last December he'd be a "liar if I said it's something that hasn't crossed my mind before."
"Well, we'll see what we can do, if we can make that happen," Jones told Peterson, per Van Natta. "Hmm hmm ... I'd like that, too ... Well, we're talking pig Latin here, but let's see if we can do that ... We're talking pig Latin here, but let's see what we can do about that. OK, Adrian, thanks."
It's unclear whether the phone call constitutes tampering, but Jones expressed his belief the conversation shouldn't be considered tampering.
Entering his eighth season, Peterson has been the NFL's most dominant running back and the face of the Vikings' franchise.
"We are focused on the 2014 season," the Vikings said in a statement, "and as we have consistently communicated, Adrian is an integral part of the Vikings organization."
Peterson himself admitted this summer the Vikings would take a "heavy hit" if he left. With Minnesota on the verge of a frisky 2014 season, there is no reason to reboot the rampant trade speculation that took place last year.
"This was a casual conversation between NFL colleagues in which I never indicated I wanted to leave the Vikings," Peterson said in a statement. "I have always said I understand the NFL is a business but that I would love to retire as a Viking."
The discussion of Peterson returning to Texas to finish his career should take place when the light at the end of that particular tunnel draws nearer.
On the latest "Around The NFL Podcast," the heroes preview the entire NFC and chat with Giants linebacker Jon Beason.
