When NFL fans think of Adrian Peterson, they immediately picture him in a Minnesota Vikings jersey. He was a mix of incredible speed and pure power that defined a whole era of football. Even though he played for seven different teams before quietly retiring after the 2021 season, it is clear that his heart still belongs to Minnesota.

Peterson recently stirred up old memories by sharing a photo of himself back in his Vikings uniform on Instagram. Along with the picture, he wrote a heartfelt message, “I miss the game… but God’s hand has never left my life. Grateful for the grind, thankful for the rest, trusting Him with what’s next.”

It’s a rare glimpse into the emotional side of life after football… not a comeback tease, but a reflective mental and spiritual check-in from someone navigating the personal weight that followed the end of his playing days.

Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens couldn’t help but jump into the comment section with a simple but meaningful “🙏🏾✊🏾” to show support for his former teammate, Adrian Peterson.

The two legends share a storied history on the field, most notably as the offensive anchors for the NFC during the 2008 Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In that high-scoring affair, the duo spearheaded a massive comeback after the NFC fell behind early, trailing 24–7. Peterson, then a standout rookie for the Vikings, delivered a historic performance by rushing for 129 yards and two touchdowns, earning him the game’s MVP honors. Owens was just as vital to the victory, hauling in 8 receptions for 101 yards and scoring two touchdowns of his own, including the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter that secured the 42–30 win.

That being said, while Peterson ended his career with short stints on teams like the Titans and Seahawks, his ten years in Minnesota are what truly defined his legacy. During his time with the Vikings, Peterson became the franchise’s greatest runner, setting team records for both rushing yards and touchdowns.

He provided fans with legendary moments, from breaking the NFL’s single-game rushing record during his rookie year to his incredible 2012 season, where he rushed for over 2,000 yards and won the MVP award. He led the league in rushing three different times and was easily the most dominant player on the field.

After leaving the Vikings in 2017, Peterson spent the final years of his career moving between teams like the Cardinals, Washington, Seahawks, and the Lions. As he got older, he remained productive, finishing his career with 3,230 rushing attempts for 14,918 yards and 120 touchdowns.

By the time he played his last game in 2021, he had climbed to fifth on the NFL’s all-time rushing list and fourth in rushing touchdowns. He was also one of the greatest NFL running backs to have ever earned over $100 million during his 15-year career (2007–2021). But while he was a superstar on the field, his life off the field has been much more difficult.

Adrian Peterson finds himself in never-ending trouble off the field

Adrian Peterson’s legal troubles began a decade ago in 2014 when he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor reckless violence charge involving his son. This incident led to a period of probation, a fine, and community service, while the NFL responded by suspending him for the remainder of that season.

Years later, in 2022, Peterson was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport following a DV report. According to authorities, a plane was forced to return to the gate after a verbal and physical fight broke out between Peterson and a female victim. He was booked into custody and later released after posting a $50,000 bond, while the other passengers were eventually allowed to continue their flight.

In addition to his criminal record, Peterson has faced crushing financial problems. He is reportedly over $12 million in debt, largely due to a $5.2 million loan he took out in 2016. Although he intended to pay it back quickly, his earnings dropped significantly after he was released by the Vikings in 2017. As he moved to other teams for much lower salaries, the interest on his debt grew.

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By 2024, a judge ordered him to turn over various assets to pay back his lenders, and court officials were authorized to visit his home to catalog items for sale. Despite these struggles, Peterson has denied reports that his NFL trophies or MVP award were being auctioned off, later threatening legal action against the estate sale company that listed his trophies without his consent before a judge halted the auction.

His legal issues continued into 2025 with multiple driving-related arrests. Early in the year, he was charged with a DWI in Minnesota after police caught him driving 83 mph in a 55 mph zone. More recently, in late 2025, he was arrested again in Sugar Land, Texas.

 This latest incident resulted in charges for both driving while intoxicated and the unlawful carrying of a weapon. He was later released after posting bonds totalling $3,000.

Irrespective of all the hardships he has faced over the years, the player still has faith and optimism to face a good year. With this mindset, Peterson may finally be finding the peace that long eluded him.