Vikings' Addison contrite and remorseful following DUI arrest, finding respite in start of camp

EAGAN, Minn. — Jordan Addison relished the start of training camp as much as anyone with the Minnesota Vikings, finding a sunny space to set aside for a few hours his non-football stress.

Addison, after walking off the fields following the first full-team practice Wednesday afternoon, said he had been advised by his attorney and agent not to address specific details about his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence earlier this month in California.

The second-year wide receiver and former Pitt standout, however, expressed plenty of contrition, humility and remorse in an interview with a group of reporters that lasted much longer than the typical comments from a player facing the media following off-the-field trouble.

“This has probably the most peace that I’ve felt, just being out here with my teammates. They’ve been welcoming me. They’ve had their arms around me the whole time, the whole situation, so really I’m just blessed to be here right now,” the 22-year-old Addison said, adding: “They know my character. They know my heart. So I just come out here every day and just show them that I’m moving past it and I’m going to keep learning.”

About a year ago, right before his first training camp, Addison was cited for excessive speeding in Minnesota. Once his latest case is resolved in court, he mightl receive a suspension from the NFL under the player conduct policy, though that might not happen this season.

“Any disciplinary actions that come my way I’m going to stand tall, face it, get through it and shake back,” Addison said. “Whatever’s out there for me, I’m going to stand on all 10, take whatever comes with it. I’ll own up to everything, and I feel like anything that come my way is meant to happen or is deserved, so I’ll do what I’ve got to do.”

When the news of his July 12 arrest broke, Addison had some difficult conversations with Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and others with the club.

“Of course we’re disappointed in Jordan,” O’Connell said earlier this week. “We care about these players — we really do — and we want to make sure we’re doing our part for development on the field. The other aspect of that is off the field and the life skills, development, decision making and learning how important it is within our culture that we’re very proud of, that our players understand personal responsibility and accountability to that point.”

Addison said he was surprised by the level of support he felt.

“I didn’t think it was going to be how it was. It was really important, because I was in a dark place and I was feeling down and they really uplifted me to come out here and perform at a high level still,” Addison said, adding: “I’m just going to keep learning. That’s all I can do. Just learn from my mistakes and keep moving forward.”

Fellow wide receiver Justin Jefferson is a significant part of that support.

“I know Jordan still has some stuff to learn,” Jefferson said. “I am the big brother to him to teach him different things about how to go about his business.”