( CNN ) -- A 2-year-old boy who was reportedly the son of Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson died Friday of injuries he suffered after allegedly being abused , police said . Sioux Falls , South Dakota , police said Joseph Robert Patterson , 27 , has been charged with aggravated battery of an infant and aggravated assault . If convicted on the charges , both felonies , Patterson could face up to 40 years in prison and an $ 80,000 fine . Prosecutors are considering filing additional charges against Patterson in light of the boy 's death , according to police . Soon after the news came out of the boy 's death , Adrian Peterson took to Twitter to express his gratitude to his family , fans and the `` fraternity of brothers '' in the NFL for their support . `` God Bless everyone and thank u so much , '' he wrote . Patterson called authorities about 5:45 p.m. Wednesday to report that a 2-year-old was choking in his Sioux Falls apartment , police spokesman Sam Clemens said . Officers arrived to find the toddler unresponsive , and he was rushed to a nearby hospital . Authorities determined that the child had suffered injuries to his head consistent with abuse , according to Clemens . Police said Patterson , whom they described as the boyfriend of the injured child 's mother , was the only other person in the residence at the time . The suspect -- who was given suspended sentences a year ago for simple domestic assault and violation of a domestic abuse bond , both misdemeanors -- was arrested Thursday night , said Lincoln County , South Dakota , State 's Attorney Tom Wollman . A judge set his bail at $ 750,000 cash during his initial court appearance Friday , according to Clemens . The 2-year-old 's mother is not under investigation , Clemens added . `` This is an absolute tragedy , '' Wollman said Friday , `` and the parents and the extended family are suffering greatly . '' Authorities have declined to name the child , with police saying that information is `` being withheld out of respect for the family and to give them time to make notification . '' Peterson 's father , Nelson Peterson , told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that the injured toddler is his grandson and Adrian 's son . Nelson Peterson did not identify the boy by name except to say he was not Adrian Peterson Jr . The 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player himself did not elaborate on what happened when addressing reporters earlier Friday , at which time the child was in critical condition . But he did acknowledge that he was dealing with `` a private matter , '' adding that he still plans to play in Sunday 's game against the Carolina Panthers . `` I will ask you all to please just respect my privacy , '' Peterson said . Even if he was n't talking , many athletes were . The Washington Redskins ' Robert Griffin III and Houston Texans ' defense lineman J.J. Watt were among Peterson 's competitors who expressed condolences online , as well as their shock at what happened . Among the most vocal was LeBron James , who has won the NBA 's MVP award four of the past five seasons . Declaring `` ol buddy will get what 's coming to him ! ! '' -- an apparent reference to the suspect -- James expressed the sorrow he felt , as a young father himself , while offering support to his friend . `` So Damn sad man ! '' the Miami Heat star tweeted . `` Makes no sense at all . Innocent kid with dreams gets taking away by a coward with no dreams at all ! Smh # SickForAP . '' CNN 's Cristy Lenz and Shawn Nottingham contributed to this report .
NEW : Athletes voice support , with LeBron James saying the death `` makes no sense at all '' The boyfriend of the toddler 's mother is accused of assaulting the child . St. Paul Pioneer Press : Grandfather says the child is Adrian Peterson 's son . Adrian Peterson tweets his thanks for the support he 's received .