Adrian Peterson says Roger Goodell was ‘blind’ to what he was going through

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball during the first quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) carries the ball during the third quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) acknowledges the fans following the game against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Giants 49-17. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes with the football as Green Bay Packers linebacker Jake Ryan (47) defends during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Vikings beat the Packers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) tries to run past Green Bay Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (21) in the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes with the football during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) walks from the field following the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who missed most of the 2014 season after being suspended for abusing his son, said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell “was blind to the fact of what I was going through.”

Peterson came back strong in 2015, winning the NFL rushing title and leading the Vikings into the playoffs this season.

Peterson, 30, finished with 1,485 yards for his third rushing title of his career. He became the second-oldest rushing champion in NFL history.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Peterson still is not happy with the way the NFL handled him last year.

“Roger Goodell, man, I don’t know. … This is when I knew he was blind to the fact of what I was going through. I sat down with him. He asked me, ‘What is a whuppin’?

“It was one of the first questions. It kind of showed me we were on a totally different level. It’s just the way of life. For instance, in Texas, we know what whuppin’s are. Down there, if it snows, people are going to go crazy. They’re going to close schools. They’re going to shut it down. Here, you’re used to that. It was just a tough situation, because of misperception. … I get it. I get why. But you still shouldn’t pass judgment on people when you don’t know.”

Peterson was indicted on child abuse charges in Montgomery County, Texas, in September 2014 for allegedly hitting his 4-year-old son with a switch. After the indictment, he was placed on the exempt list and missed the final 15 games of the season. He later pleaded no contest to a count of misdemeanor reckless assault and was sentenced to probation.

Peterson insists he has grown as a father.

“I know in my heart there’s not many fathers better than me,” Peterson told Sports Illustrated. “I’m that father that the kids run to. I’m the father they want to wrestle and play with.”