Latavius Murray landing with the Vikings signals the end of Adrian Peterson's storied run in Minnesota.
Murray, though, has no plans to erase the memory of one of the game's finest running backs.
"There wasn't a thought in my mind to try and wear or ask for the #28. I have too much respect for AP and so much respect for what he's done and what he means to this organization," Murray, who wore No. 28 with the Raiders, wrote on his Instragram account about Peterson.
"Many people don't know, but I wore the #28 as a kid because of Fred Taylor who played for the Jaguars at the time. When AP came onto the scene and Fred retired, he was my reason for keeping #28. I want to say to Vikings fans: I'm not here to replace #28, he's irreplaceable. I'm not here to be #28, there's no one like him. I ask that you accept me for the player I am and know that I'm here to give you all I got and to win. #skol"
Instead of wearing #28, Murray told reporters he has chosen to wear #25 in honor of "his best friend that passed away last year."
It's a classy move by Murray, who scores instant points with Vikings fans for understanding his place on the team -- and Peterson's place in NFL lore.
Vikings general manager Rick Spielman echoed the sentiments of his new tailback in a conference call later in the day, telling reporters, "Adrian is probably going to go down as one of the greatest Vikings."
Spielman also confirmed what the Murray signing signaled: "With us signing Murray, Adrian will move on elsewhere."
