Early Life and Education of Adrian Peterson: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Adrian Peterson. A timeline of key moments.

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

March 21, 1985: Adrian Peterson Born

On March 21, 1985, Adrian Lewis Peterson, was born. He later became a prominent American football running back.

Others born on this day/year

2004: U.S. Army All-American Bowl and College Choice

In 2004, Adrian Peterson led the West squad with 95 yards and two touchdowns at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and announced he would attend the University of Oklahoma, later being awarded the Hall Trophy as the U.S. Army National Player of the Year.

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.

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.

2016: Peterson takes out loan

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

2018: Peterson Admits to Using Belt for Discipline

In 2018, Adrian Peterson admitted that he was still using a belt to discipline his son.

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 13, 2022: Peterson Arrested for Domestic Violence

On February 13, 2022, Adrian Peterson was arrested by the Los Angeles Airport Police for a domestic violence incident with his wife, Ashley, on a flight to Houston, Texas. He was later released on bond, and the charges were eventually dropped.

July 2022: Peterson to Face Bell in Boxing Match

In July 2022, it was announced that Adrian Peterson would face Le'Veon Bell in an exhibition boxing match originally scheduled for July 31 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, but was postponed due to medical issues with another fighter.

2023: Peterson Participates in Dancing with the Stars

In 2023, Adrian Peterson participated in the ABC reality competition series Dancing with the Stars. Peterson and his dance partner Britt Stewart finished in 11th place.

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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.

April 25, 2025: Peterson Arrested for DWI

On April 25, 2025, Adrian Peterson was arrested for a fourth-degree driving while intoxicated charge after being caught speeding and allegedly having a blood-alcohol content of .14. He had been at the Minnesota Vikings draft party.