If Vikings running back Matt Asiata needs inspiration during a game, he knows where to look.

Asiata’s father died a year ago this month. He always remains in his son’s thoughts.

“Every Sunday is a game for him,” Asiata said. “I write ‘Dad’ on my wristband. … I’m playing for him. No matter where I go, he’s always in the back of my mind.”

Pita Asiata died Oct. 28, 2013, when the tour bus he was driving crashed into a utility truck in the family’s home state of Utah. He was 53.

When Pita Asiata died, Matt Asiata was a second-year player who had three career rushing attempts. Asiata’s father didn’t get to see his son in December run for three touchdowns against Philadelphia and gain 115 yards against Detroit when starter Adrian Peterson was out due to injury.

Now, Peterson might not play again this season following an indictment last month in Texas on a felony child-abuse charge. Asiata has started the past four games, and the realization that his father can’t see him play can be difficult.

“It’s tough for him not being here,” Asiata said. “But in the long run, we’re going to see him again. I know we’re going to see him again after this life, and I’m truly blessed to be out there and just to carry his last name.

“I’ll never forget my dad. He’s my angel. He’s my guardian angel. I play for him.”

Asiata’s play recently has been strong. After rushing for just 71 yards on 25 carries in the first two games he started for Peterson, Asiata has gained 150 yards on 35 attempts in the past two.

That includes a Sept. 28 game against Atlanta when Asiata ran for 78 yards on 20 carries. He had three rushing touchdowns that day for the second time in seven Minnesota regular-season games.

“Matt’s a great running back,” said Vikings tackle Matt Kalil. “I wouldn’t want to tackle him. He’s probably about 240 pounds. … He’s a smart running back. He runs hard. He’s the kind of guy who’s going to give you his all every down.”

Since he’s been a starter, Asiata has gotten some help from Peterson. He said the 2012 NFL MVP has texted him regularly to offer pointers.

“Before the Green Bay game, he said to just be patient and holes will open up,” said Asiata, who rushed for 72 yards on 15 attempts last Thursday against the Packers to raise his season total to 231 yards on 62 carries. “It’s tough not having Adrian around here. He’s the best in the league. But just hearing little stuff (from him) motivates you to go out there and to just play hard.”

The message of “Dad” on his wristband also motivates Asiata. He and his family have been making plans to mark one year since the death of his father, who immigrated to the U.S. from Samoa in 1974, 13 years before Asiata was born.

Asiata will be in Minnesota on Oct. 28, when the team is preparing for a Nov. 2 home game against Washington. The Vikings have a bye the following week, and Asiata is planning to be in his hometown of Salt Lake City for an event commemorating his father’s life.

“We’re going to celebrate his life, his one year, back home in Utah,” Asiata said. “We’re going to have a big, old family eating, get to the church and just do what he loved. Just have a dance. He liked to dance. He just liked to have fun. The families from California (where other relatives live) and everybody will be coming down for that.”

Follow Chris Tomasson at twitter.com/christomasson.