Adrian Peterson on playing after son's death: 'God wants good to come from it'

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson played two days after his 2-year-old son died in an alleged assault. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Minnesota Vikings

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson played two days after his 2-year-old son died in an alleged assault. (Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson made the difficult decision to play on Sunday, just two days after the death of his 2-year-old son.

He explained his choice in a text message to Fox Spors' Laura Okmin, writing that "God wants good" to come from the tragedy.

The boy passed away on Friday in Sioux Falls, S.D., after allegedly being beaten in an aggravated assault by 27-year-old Joseph Patterson, who had been dating his mother.

Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo posted Peterson's full statement on Twitter:

"My brother passed the night before the combine and I decided to go through with it. 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."