Adrian Peterson arrested for DWI after Vikings draft party
Pranjal Chandra | Apr 25, 2025, 23:50 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Former NFL star Adrian Peterson got arrested in Minneapolis. He faced charges of driving under the influence. Peterson was caught speeding. Authorities found his blood alcohol level above the legal limit. This incident happened after Peterson attended a Vikings' draft party. He was later released on bond. Peterson's decorated career includes off-field issues. He now faces legal consequences.
Former Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson was arrested early Friday morning on a misdemeanor charge of driving while impaired, according to jail records released by Minnesota authorities. The 39-year-old ex-running back was stopped by the Minnesota State Patrol around 3:20 a.m., shortly after attending the Vikings’ NFL draft party in downtown Minneapolis.
Peterson was pulled over for driving 83 mph in a 55-mph zone, State Patrol Lt. Mike Lee said in a statement. During the stop, Peterson reportedly exhibited signs of impairment and was given a breath test, which showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.14 well above Minnesota’s legal limit of 0.08.
He was arrested and booked at 5:16 a.m., charged with fourth-degree DWI, a misdemeanor offense. Peterson was later released after posting a $4,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 9.
Just hours before his arrest, Peterson had been a featured guest at the Minnesota Vikings’ NFL draft party, held at the team’s downtown stadium. The event celebrated the team’s new selections and included appearances by former players. Peterson even made an appearance on local sports radio station KFAN for a live interview during the celebration.
It’s unclear how long Peterson remained at the event or where he went afterward, but law enforcement said the arrest happened in the early hours of Friday morning on a Minneapolis highway.
Adrian Peterson is one of the most celebrated running backs in NFL history. Drafted seventh overall in 2007 by the Vikings, he spent ten seasons with the franchise, earning NFL MVP honors in 2012 after a stunning comeback from an ACL injury and nearly breaking the single-season rushing record.
However, his legacy has been complicated by several off-field issues. From 2009 to 2011, Peterson faced multiple traffic violations, including speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt.
His most serious controversy came in 2014, when he was indicted in Texas on child abuse charges. He later pleaded no contest to reckless assault after admitting he had used a tree branch commonly called a "switch" to discipline his 4-year-old son. Peterson played just one game that season and was suspended by the NFL for the remainder of the year.
After leaving the Vikings, Peterson played for a string of NFL teams, including the Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, and Seattle Seahawks. He officially retired after the 2021 season, finishing his career with 14,918 rushing yards, placing him among the top five rushers in league history.
Since retirement, Peterson has remained in the public eye through occasional media appearances and community events, especially in Minnesota, where his football legacy remains significant despite past controversies.
Peterson now faces a fourth-degree DWI charge, which in Minnesota is typically reserved for first-time offenders with no aggravating circumstances. If convicted, he could face up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs. Depending on the judge’s ruling and any prior convictions that may be considered, additional penalties like license suspension or probation could also apply.
Peterson has not yet made any public comment regarding the incident.
Stopped for speeding, fails breath test
He was arrested and booked at 5:16 a.m., charged with fourth-degree DWI, a misdemeanor offense. Peterson was later released after posting a $4,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 9.
Draft party appearance before arrest
It’s unclear how long Peterson remained at the event or where he went afterward, but law enforcement said the arrest happened in the early hours of Friday morning on a Minneapolis highway.
A decorated career, shadowed by off-field incidents
However, his legacy has been complicated by several off-field issues. From 2009 to 2011, Peterson faced multiple traffic violations, including speeding and failure to wear a seatbelt.
His most serious controversy came in 2014, when he was indicted in Texas on child abuse charges. He later pleaded no contest to reckless assault after admitting he had used a tree branch commonly called a "switch" to discipline his 4-year-old son. Peterson played just one game that season and was suspended by the NFL for the remainder of the year.
Retirement after final journeyman years
Since retirement, Peterson has remained in the public eye through occasional media appearances and community events, especially in Minnesota, where his football legacy remains significant despite past controversies.
Legal consequences ahead
Peterson has not yet made any public comment regarding the incident.