Adrian Peterson, one of the most iconic figures in Minnesota Vikings history, is once again in the spotlight—but this time for the wrong reasons. The Hall of Fame-caliber running back was arrested Thursday night in Hennepin County on a fourth-degree charge of driving while impaired, following his attendance at the Vikings’ 2025 NFL Draft party at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The 40-year-old Peterson had been part of the team’s official festivities, even participating in live radio broadcasts from the field, highlighting his deep connection to the franchise he helped define from 2007 to 2016. But hours later, the night took a troubling turn. According to reports from ESPN’s Kevin Seifert and MPR News, Peterson was booked into the Hennepin County jail early Friday morning and later released on a $4,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court in May.
This incident marks the second high-profile legal issue for Peterson since his playing career concluded in 2021. In 2022, he was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport following an alleged domestic dispute with his wife on a plane. Though those charges were ultimately dropped, the episode added to a list of off-field controversies that have trailed the former MVP.
While Peterson remains revered for his electrifying career on the field—where he rushed for over 14,000 yards and earned seven Pro Bowl selections—his post-NFL journey continues to be marred by troubling headlines. As fans celebrated the promise of a new draft class, Peterson’s arrest served as a sobering reminder of the complex legacy left by one of football’s most legendary, and polarizing, figures.
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