Dalvin Cook Speaks Out About Training Camp Rumors: ‘I Was Going To Be Here’

Dalvin Cook told reporters on Friday that — despite rumors to the contrary — he never really considered holding out of the Minnesota Vikings‘ training camp. Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune reported on Twitter that the star running back talked a bit about his frustrations this past offseason as he looked for a new contract.

Cook told assembled media he understood there were reports that his own agent or someone else in his camp had floated the idea of a holdout. He wanted to make sure those rumors were put to rest once and for all.

“I was going to be here, regardless of the speculations that came up about me not coming,” Cook asserted.

The running back said he loves being in Minnesota, which was one of the reasons he was looking to secure an extension of his contract over the summer. He also clarified that — if there had been a holdout — it wouldn’t have been a situation where he would have requested a trade. That claim is in line with earlier reports about the cause of his frustration.

As The Inquisitr reported earlier this summer, Cook felt disrespected by the contract offers the team gave him. He reportedly wanted to be one of the higher paid backs in the NFL. Those around the franchise countered by pointing out that — while he did have a very good 2019 — he had yet to show he could stay healthy for a full season.

While he did rush for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, he missed two games last season. Injuries allowed him to appear in just 11 games in 2018 and only four the season before that.

Despite not having a new deal in place, Cook said he doesn’t plan to approach 2020 any differently. He still expects to be “full go” in camp.

Goessling wrote that Cook was asked about possibly taking out an insurance policy since he didn’t have an extension in place. The running back said he believes he is the insurance policy. While he didn’t elaborate on exactly what that meant, he did say he understands that injuries are just a part of football.

He added that he will deal with whatever comes in 2020 and he understands that — even if he doesn’t suffer a traditional injury — other potential roadblocks could get in the way. Cook reportedly finished his short media scrum by saying he will roll with whatever happens, even without a franchise tag or extension in place.