Breaking through Adrian's wall

Breaking through Adrian's wall

MIAMI -- The television camera was about a foot away, pointed at his face, while the microphone was tilted toward his mouth. And there was silence.

Adrian Peterson was trying to answer the question, but his stuttering wouldn't allow the words to escape. He was struggling, but he wasn't giving up.

Tuesday was Super Bowl media day, which meant reporters from around the world converged on Dolphin Stadium to get a one-hour shot at the Bears, followed by an hour with the Indianapolis Colts.

Some with Adrian Peterson's condition might have found a way to sit it out, or at least find a nook or cranny to avoid reporters. And nobody would have blamed them.

But that's not Adrian Peterson's style. The Bears' third-string running back and special-teams standout was front and center, answering every question and not feeling sorry for himself.

''This is great, a great experience,'' Adrian Peterson said when asked if he's enjoying all the interviews. ''I'm enjoying it all.

''I did a lot in college [at Georgia Southern], so I'm accustomed to it.''

And he's accustomed to talking about his speech impediment, whether with reporters or children.

''I go out to speak at schools all the time,'' he said. ''My advice to them is don't allow it to hold you back from achieving your goals.''

Adrian Peterson's work has not gone unnoticed by his teammates.

''My brother [Bernard] had a little bit of a stuttering problem, so I've known about it first-hand from him,'' said long snapper Patrick Mannelly, whose brother played football at Notre Dame. ''[Peterson] speaks about it, and he's a super guy for doing it. He's a great guy with a great family, which has helped him.''

Adrian Peterson worked with a speech therapist at Georgia Southern, and he's comfortable with how he's handling the situation.

It wasn't always that way. Childhood can be traumatic for kids who are different.

''Growing up, it was hard,'' he said. ''But it's who I am.

''I mean, I don't even see it as anything. I've dealt with it my whole life, so it's no big deal. But working with a speech therapist helped a lot.''

Some days are better than others for Adrian Peterson. Tuesday might have been difficult at times, but it didn't stop him from enjoying his moment. He's on one of the sporting world's biggest stages, and he's loving every second.

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