Adrian Peterson: NFL running back pay is 'disrespectful'

NFL running backs aren't paid nearly as well as they used to be, or even should be in today's environment, and one longtime player is getting sick of it.

Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson is sick of how NFL owners and general managers refuse to pay running backs what they're worth, and now he's spreading that displeasure with the league's younger running backs in hopes they'll spread change.

"I think the change is going to come," Peterson said, according to TMZ. "Me and Frank Gore continue to show guys, 'Hey, we are valuable. We can have 10, 14-year careers as well, so value us as well like you would value a quarterback, you know?'"

Peterson hasn't necessarily been hurt when it comes to contract negotiations — he's made over $100 million in 13 seasons — but other running backs haven't been as lucky. 

We've seen Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott hold out in the past while waiting for a deal he felt was suitable, and New York Jets RB Le'Veon Bell did the same. Now the Minnesota Vikings' Dalvin Cook is threatening to not play, and all signs are pointing to him holding out until he gets a deal he likes. 

While the Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry has been one of the best running backs in the league over the past two seasons, he's been forced to play under the franchise tag as he awaits a new deal. New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara also has yet to receive a new deal after playing on a team-friendly contract for the first three years of his career. 

Meanwhile in Carolina, Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey signed a deal for four years, $16 million per season — $64 million overall — making him the highest paid player at the position in NFL history. 

With McCaffrey's deal, many players will be looking for a serious raise. However, it appears many owners and general managers aren't willing to shell out the dough.