Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has a somewhat unlikely vocal supporter that hopes to see him return to the field. While many fans have been clamoring for him to be removed from the Exempt/Commissioner’s Permission List and some of his teammates within the Vikings organization have spoke out for him, it was odd when a player from a different team gives a passionate plea about Peterson’s future.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald recently spoke to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press prior to Sunday’s Super Bowl about his opinion on Peterson’s situation regarding his suspension from the league. Here’s what he told them:

“He’s served his penalty,” Fitzgerald said. “He deserves the opportunity to come back, and I know everybody in the league feels he’s served his time. I mean, he made a mistake, he’s apologized for it, he’s taken the precautionary steps to make amends for everything, and I think he deserves to be back on the field.”

Sep 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) looks on during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Vikings defeated the Rams 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Many fans feel that he has paid the price for his deed and has learned from his lesson, but others aren’t as forgiving. In a case as sensitive as Adrian Peterson’s, it is bound to polarize groups of the fan base. While he has already lost 15 games of his NFL career due to this incident, some people tend to forget the other things that he’s lost along the way.

“He’s lost millions of dollars, endorsements, all types of things,” Fitzgerald said. “How much more can a man take? He’s apologized. We all make mistakes in life.”

Larry Fitzgerald’s words of support for Adrian Peterson may echo what a lot of fans of the Minnesota Vikings feel about the star running back. While some mistakes are honest ones, others can be seen as unforgivable.

Hopefully, the NFL can forgive Adrian Peterson and give him another chance.