MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, a stalwart of the franchise, is facing another legal challenge after being arrested early Friday morning for allegedly driving while intoxicated.
According to Hennepin County records, the 40-year-old was taken into custody for fourth-degree DWI at approximately 5:15 a.m. after being stopped by the Minnesota State Patrol. Peterson’s Audi Q5 was clocked driving 83 mph in a 55 mph zone around 3:20 a.m. on southbound Highway 77 near 66th Street in Richfield. He was released on a $4,000 bond just over two hours later, at 7:30 a.m. His next court date is set for May 9.
The incident follows Peterson’s appearance at the Vikings draft party at U.S. Bank Stadium the night before, where he seemed to be in good spirits. However, this arrest adds to a growing list of legal troubles for the former NFL MVP. Peterson previously faced serious charges, including felony child abuse in 2014 for his disciplinary methods. More recently, he has been involved in multiple legal disputes, including allegations of failing to meet child support obligations and claims surrounding a significant debt reportedly amounting to $12 million.
Drafted by the Vikings out of the University of Oklahoma in 2007, Peterson spent a decade in Minnesota, where he established himself as one of the most dynamic running backs in NFL history. After his release due to salary cap issues, he had stints with several teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Football Team, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks.
As fans of the game reflect on Peterson’s remarkable on-field achievements, this most recent incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges that have followed him off the field and the complexities that often accompany a high-profile athletic career.
