Adrian Peterson must hand over assets to pay off $12 million in debt

A judge in Houston has ordered former NFL running back Adrian Peterson to hand over numerous assets to pay off a debt estimated at over $12 million.

Court-appointed bankruptcy trustee Robert Berleth requested the order in July, saying Peterson was known to have “numerous assets” at his home in Missouri City, Texas. The Houston judge on Monday ordered police officers in Fort Bend County, Texas, to accompany Berleth to Peterson's residence to keep the peace.

Peterson's debt problems began when he took out a $5.2 million loan from a Pennsylvania lending company in 2016. Due to interest and legal fees, the amount grew, resulting in an $8.3 million judgment against him in 2021.

“To date, no offsetting has been made against this judgment,” the insolvency administrator stated in his July court filing.

Peterson, 39, last played in the NFL during the 2021 season.

Peterson, voted NFL MVP in 2012, four-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection, led the league in rushing three times in his 15-year career. He is the fifth-leading player of all time with 14,918 rushing yards and 90 touchdowns in 184 career games (167 starts) for seven teams, most notably the Minnesota Vikings (2007-16).