Challenges in the Life of Adrian Peterson in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Adrian Peterson's life and career.

Adrian Peterson is a former NFL running back, widely regarded as one of the greatest in history. He played college football at Oklahoma, setting a freshman rushing record and becoming the first freshman to finish as a Heisman Trophy runner-up. Peterson ended his college career as Oklahoma's third all-time leading rusher before embarking on a successful 15-season NFL career.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2005: BCS National Championship Game

In 2005, Adrian Peterson participated in the 2005 BCS National Championship Game with Oklahoma against USC, where he was limited to 82 yards in a 55–19 loss, and had surgery on his left shoulder after the season.

2005: Limited Playing Time Due to Injury

In the 2005 season, Adrian Peterson's playing time was limited by a broken foot, but he still rushed for 1,208 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a career-long 84-yard touchdown run against Oklahoma State.

2006: Collarbone Injury

In 2006, Adrian Peterson broke his collar bone when he dove into the end zone on a 53-yard touchdown run and missed seven games.

November 11, 2007: Knee Injury

On November 11, 2007, Adrian Peterson injured the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee during a game against the Green Bay Packers.

2011: Tore ACL and MCL

In late 2011, Adrian Peterson tore both his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in a game.

October 11, 2013: Peterson's Two-Year-Old Son Dies

On October 11, 2013, Adrian Peterson's two-year-old son died at a hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, due to injuries sustained during an alleged assault by Joseph Robert Patterson, the boyfriend of the child's mother.

September 12, 2014: Indictment on Child Abuse Charges

On September 12, 2014, Adrian Peterson was indicted on child abuse charges and subsequently deactivated for Minnesota's Week 2 game.

November 4, 2014: Peterson Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Assault Charge

On November 4, 2014, Adrian Peterson pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge of recklessly assaulting his son. He avoided jail time by reaching a plea agreement, was put on probation, fined $4,000, and ordered to do 80 hours of community service.

November 18, 2014: Peterson's 2014 Season Ends After Arbitrator Ruling

On November 18, 2014, arbitrator Shyam Das ruled in favor of the NFL, allowing the league to keep Adrian Peterson on the commissioner's exempt list. This decision effectively ended any possibility of Peterson playing for the Minnesota Vikings again during the 2014 season.

December 2014: Peterson's Suspension Affirmed

In December 2014, Harold Henderson, the NFL-appointed arbitrator, affirmed Adrian Peterson's unpaid suspension until at least spring 2015.

February 6, 2015: Federal Court Appeal Hearing

Following his suspension in 2014, Adrian Peterson was scheduled for a federal court appeal hearing on February 6, 2015.

August 4, 2016: NFL wins appeal against Peterson

On August 4, 2016, ESPN reported that the NFL won an appeal in a case against Adrian Peterson, reversing a ruling which had overturned Peterson's suspension and fine.

2016: Peterson takes out loan

In 2016, Peterson took out a loan with DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC which he defaulted on.

December 15, 2017: Peterson Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 15, 2017, Adrian Peterson was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury, after being sidelined for Weeks 13 and 14.

2018: Peterson Defaults on Loan

In 2018, Adrian Peterson was ordered to repay a Minnesota bank for defaulting on a 2016 loan.

2018: Peterson Sued for Loan Default

In 2018, DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC sued Adrian Peterson after he defaulted on a 2016 loan.

July 2019: Peterson Ordered to Pay $2.4 Million

In July 2019, a Maryland state judge ordered Adrian Peterson to pay another creditor $2.4 million.

2019: Peterson Reaches Settlement Agreement

In 2019, Adrian Peterson reached a settlement agreement with DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC.

January 2021: Peterson Ordered to Pay $8.3 Million

In January 2021, Adrian Peterson was ordered by a New York State Supreme Court judge to pay DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC $8.3 million after defaulting on the settlement.

February 2024: Peterson's Assets Seized

In February 2024, court records revealed that Adrian Peterson had not paid any of the $8.3 million owed to DeAngelo Vehicle Sales LLC, and some of his personal assets were forcibly seized, including his NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and NFL MVP trophies.