. >>> adrianne peterson played over the weekend against the panthers. the star athlete lost his son to alleged child abuse just two days before. >>reporter: the nfl's reigning mvp headed back to the field sunday two days after the death of his two-year-old son. the toddler was allegedly beaten by his mother's live in boyfriend and died in this sioux falls, south dakota hospital. fans held a ving it outside the minneapolis metrodome. the crowd roared as peterson had a 31-yard run, but the panthers still defeated the vikings 35-10. panthers players hugged peterson after the game. in the locker room he said football gets him through tough times. >> i pray and god gives me assurances to get through the game. >>reporter: wednesday a 911 call from this apartment complex launched first responders. >> two-year-old male not conscious. >>reporter: the mother has been charged with aggravated phelonia sault and battery of an infant -- the mother's boyfriend has been charged, not the mother. peterson says he will continue to focus on his family and football. >> inve