Adrian Lewis Peterson (born March 21, 1985) is a former NFL running back, widely regarded as one of the greatest in history. He set a freshman rushing record with 1,925 yards at Oklahoma and was a unanimous All-American in 2004. Drafted 7th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in 2007, he set an NFL record with 296 rushing yards in a game.
Peterson won NFL MVP in 2012 and became the third-fastest to reach 10,000 yards. He later played for several teams, including the Saints, Cardinals, and Redskins.
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Adrian Peterson Net Worth
Adrian Peterson has a net worth of $1 million and an annual salary of $2 million. Over his career, he earned more than $100 million in NFL salary, the most by any running back in history. In 2007, he signed a 5-year, $40 million contract with the Vikings.
In 2011, he signed a 6-year, $86 million deal, then a 3-year, $42 million contract in 2015. By 2018, his salary with the Redskins was over $1 million, followed by a $8 million deal in 2019.
Early life
Adrian Peterson was born in Palestine, Texas, to Bonita Brown and Nelson Peterson, both star college athletes. Nelson was a shooting guard for Idaho State before an injury derailed his NBA dream. Bonita, a three-time Texas state champion, was a sprinter and long jumper at the University of Houston.
At age 7, Peterson witnessed the death of his brother Brian in a drunk driving accident. Nelson coached him in youth football. At 13, Peterson’s father was arrested for money laundering in a drug ring.
Career
On January 15, 2007, Adrian Peterson announced he would forego his senior year of college and enter the 2007 NFL Draft. Known for his rare combination of speed, strength, agility, size, vision, and aggressive running style, Peterson quickly became compared to past legends like Eric Dickerson, Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, O. J. Simpson, Franco Harris, and Jim Brown.
Despite concerns over injuries during college, including a dislocated shoulder, high ankle sprain, and broken collarbone, Peterson was compared to Eric Dickerson by NFL scouts.
Personal Life
Adrian Peterson’s life has been marked by personal tragedy. One of his half-brothers was murdered the night before the NFL Combine. As a teenager, his father was sentenced to 10 years in prison for laundering drug money. Peterson has six children, and tragically, his two-year-old son died on October 11, 2013, from injuries inflicted by Joseph Robert Patterson, the boyfriend of the child’s mother.
Peterson identifies as a Christian, drawing strength from his faith. He is the nephew of Ivory Lee Brown and opened a gym with Trent Williams in 2016.
When Did Adrian Peterson Win MVP?
Peterson’s career pinnacle came in 2012 when he was awarded the prestigious Associated Press Most Valuable Player, recognizing his extraordinary performance in the NFL.
Conclusion
Adrian Peterson’s journey in the NFL is a blend of awe-inspiring athletic achievements and challenging financial obstacles. His career earnings and subsequent financial issues paint a complex picture of a sports icon navigating the realities of wealth and fame.
FAQs about Adrian Peterson
- What records does Adrian Peterson hold in the NFL?
- Peterson holds numerous records, including the most rushing yards in a single game.
- What were some of Peterson’s legal and financial issues?
- Peterson faced legal challenges, including child abuse allegations, and financial struggles due to debt and mismanagement.
- What teams did Adrian Peterson play for in the NFL?
- Apart from the Vikings, he played for teams like the Saints, Cardinals, Redskins, and Lions.
- How has Peterson’s performance been in recent years?
- While facing injuries and age-related challenges, Peterson continued to contribute significantly to his teams.
- What has been the impact of Adrian Peterson’s career on the sport?
- Peterson’s career has significantly impacted the NFL, making him a role model for aspiring athletes and a future Hall of Famer.
