They're ba-a-ack!

Pat Christman/The Free Press

Vikings players checked into Gage Center today for Training Camp, and quarterback Christian Ponder — who is in just his second season, mind you — joked that he's "saddened that this is their last year in Gage." (The dorms are being shut down for good after camp.)

Ponder, running back Adrian Peterson (pictured) and first-round draft pick Matt Kalil, who agreed to a four-year contract on Thursday, all gave press conferences, as did second-year head coach Leslie Frazier.

Ponder drove to Mankato with Kalil and it's clear the two young players already developed a good rapport and friendship.

"From Day 1, we've hung out every day," Kalil said. "We've been at the lake and have had a good tie. We have that chemistry."

Peterson talked about rehabbing his injured knee, as well as his recent arrest after an incident at a Houston nightclub. Peterson didn't seem worried about either issue going forward.

"I've been working hard," he said. "I'm excited to see where I'm at."

Several fans turned out to get autographs from players as they arrived, and several agreed.

For more, go to The Free Press website.