Adrian Peterson made his first public comments on Friday, one day after a federal judge ruled in his favour to void an arbitration ruling and lift his suspension from the NFL.

Via a statement, he lauded Judge David S. Doty's decision and thanked his representatives, but Peterson did not mention the Minnesota Vikings.

"I was pleased to learn about Judge Doty's decision," the statement said.

"It is a positive step in protecting players' rights and preserving due process for all players. It also brings me one step closer to getting back on the football field and playing the sport I love.

"As I prepare for my return to football, I am still focused on my family and continue to work to become a better father every day.

I want to express my gratitude for all of the support I have received from the fans, NFLPA, Jeffrey Kessler, and my agents Ben Dogra, Tracy Lartigue, and Mark Heligman from Relativity Sports."

Doty's decision overturned Peterson's suspension by the league in December, which had previously been upheld via an independent arbitrator.

The NFL announced Thursday that Peterson would return to the commissioner's exempt list, where he spent the majority of the 2014 season.

He will remain on the list while the NFL appeals Doty's decision, the league said.

Had Peterson's suspension been upheld, the earliest he could have been reinstated to the league was April 15.

Doty's ruling did not automatically guarantee Peterson's reinstatement, but it was a victory for him as he attempts to return to the playing field.

When he does, there is considerable doubt that it will be with the Vikings, for whom Peterson has played the entirety of his NFL career.

Reports have surfaced that Peterson and the Vikings are not on good terms, but he is still under contract with Minnesota.