Is NFL legend Adrian Peterson in debt? Houston judge orders Vikings icon to pay off $12,500,000

Adrian Peterson last played in the NFL in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans and the Seattle Seahawks. He has played 15 seasons in the league so far and has not officially announced his retirement.

Despite a successful career in the NFL, Peterson is reportedly in huge debt and owes $12.5 million to a Pennsylvania lending company. A Houston judge has ordered the former Minnesota Vikings running back to turn over numerous assets from his home in Missouri City, Texas, to pay his debt.

According to USA Today, Peterson reportedly borrowed $5.2 million from the Pennsylvania lending company in 2016. Due to the long legal battle, the loan led to an $8.3 million judgment against him in 2021, along with $15,000 in attorney fees and an increase of 9% per annum on all amounts, resulting in a total of $12.5 million.

According to reports, Peterson initially took this loan in 2016 to pay off his other loans but promised to pay it back with interest in 2017. Since the Vikings did not pick his $16 million option in 2017, Peterson became a free agent, and he never made over $3.5 million annually after that.

Earlier this year reports emerged about Adrian Peterson selling his trophies in an auction as he was facing financial problems. However, the 2012 NFL MVP shut those rumors and promised to take legal proceedings against the auction house.

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Adrian Peterson career earnings

Adrian Peterson: Indianapolis Colts v Minnesota Vikings - Source: Getty

Adrian Peterson has played 15 years in the NFL so far and has represented seven different teams. He was the seventh overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Over the course of his career, Peterson rushed for 14,918 yards on 3,230 carries and 120 touchdowns. He also had 305 catches for 2,474 yards and six touchdowns. Peterson made the Pro Bowl seven times in his career and won the MVP in 2012.

According to Spotrac, Peterson has earned close to $103.2 million in his career. His largest contract was signed in 2011, a six-year $86.28 million extension with the Minnesota Vikings.