Vikings receiver Jordan Addison says he’s ready to accept any punishment related to his July 12 arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Addison, 22, spoke with reporters on the first day of training camp on Wednesday, though he would not discuss the particulars of the situation on the advice of his agent and attorney.
It was the first time he’s spoken publicly since the incident in California earlier this month.
He did admit, however, that he was in a “dark place” after the arrest.
“I didn’t think it was going to be how it was, but it was really important,” the second-year receiver said.” I was in the dark place. I was feeling down, and they really uplifted me, uplifted me to come out here and just perform at a high level still. So, through everything that’s going on, I’m going to put it behind me and I’m still going to perform at a high level, come out here give the fans what they pay for.”
He did say he would “stand tall” through whatever potential punishment he faces.”
“I’m not sure what’s going on. I own up to whatever it is, whatever disciplinary actions that come my way,” Addison added, according to the Star Tribune. “I’m going to stand tall, get through it. Same thing [with the team]. Whatever is out there for me, I’m going to stand on all 10 and take whatever come with it. I own up to everything. I feel anything that comes my way was meant to happen or is deserved. So I’ll do what I do.”
California Highway Patrol officers discovered Addison sleeping at the wheel of a Rolls-Royce that was obstructing traffic on a highway near Los Angeles International Airport and a DUI investigation led to the arrest around midnight on July 12.
ESPN reported that no formal charging documents have yet been filed in court.
The incident was his second in roughly a year’s time after being cited for driving 140 mph on I-94 in Minnesota on July 20, 2023.
Addison’s teammates and coaches have stood behind him through his latest issue.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged that he was “disappointed” in Addison, but added that the organization wanted to be part of his development on and off the field.
Justin Jefferson told reporters that his fellow Vikings trust who Addison is as a person.
“This is probably the most peace I’ve felt being out here with my teammates,” Addison said.
“They welcomed me. They had their arms around me through the whole situations. I’m still JA. I’m going to show them every day that I’m going to move past it and keep learning.”
Addison was the No. 23 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, recording 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in a stellar rookie campaign.