Adrian Peterson’s two-year-old son was allegedly beaten by the boyfriend of his mother. (Reuters)
Adrian Peterson’s two-year-old son was allegedly beaten by the boyfriend of his mother. (Reuters)

American football star Adrian Peterson's two-year-old son has died from injuries sustained in an alleged assault by the boyfriend of the child's mother.

Peterson's child died at a Sioux Falls hospital and his mother's boyfriend Joseph Robert Patterson, 27, has been charged with aggravated battery of an infant. He may face additional charges over the death.

"I really appreciate all the support that I've been receiving from fans, the Vikings organisation," the MVP running back said at a brief press conference inside the locker room. "This is a private matter and I would ask you all to please just respect my privacy and not ask at all about the situation at hand. Thanks."

He confirmed he will play Sunday's game against the visiting Carolina Panthers.

"Football is something I will always fall back on," he said, "It gets me through tough times. Just being around the guys in here, that's what I need in my life, guys supporting me and just being able to go out and play this game I love. Things that I go through, I've said a thousand times, it helps me play this game to a different level. I'm able to kind of release a lot of my stress through this sport, so that's what I plan on doing."

He also took to Twitter to thank his fans for their support.

"Thank you to my family, my fans and fans of other teams for their support," he wrote, adding, "The NFL is a fraternity of brothers and I am thankful for the tweets, phone calls and text messages from my fellow players. God Bless everyone and thank u so much."

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