NFL MVP Adrian Peterson says he has family members who are gay whom he loves and respects. But on gay marriage, the Minnesota Vikings running back says "that's not something I believe in."

Peterson made his comments last week in an interview with with Sirius/XM NFL Radio. He was asked his thoughts on the Vikings cutting longtime punter Chris Kluwe, an outspoken advocate for gay rights and gay marriage.

"It hurt me to see him leave," Peterson said.

Peterson says he considers Kluwe a good friend but he differs with the punter on the subject for gay marriage.

"To each his own, [but] I'm not with it," he said. "I have relatives who are gay. I'm not biased towards them. I still treat them the same. I love 'em. But again, I'm not with that. That's not something I believe in. But to each his own," he said.

The running back said he didn't believe the Vikings released Kluwe, who has since signed with the Oakland Raiders, because of his outspoken nature.

"I'm sure the Vikings organization didn't release him based on that," he said. "They know Kluwe. They've been knowing him for a long time. They know he's outspoken."

Gay marriage will become legal in Minnesota on Aug. 1.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.