Adrian Peterson is an NFL legend. The former running back did things no one will ever forget.
Adrian Peterson by the Numbers
One of the most unforgettable moments in Peterson’s career was his ACL tear and subsequent recovery. In 2012, after overcoming this career-threatening injury, he beat the odds by rushing for 2,000 yards in a single season and winning the MVP award as a non-quarterback.
Another iconic moment in Peterson’s career occurred in 2007 when he set the single-game rushing record by accumulating an astonishing 296 yards in a single game. This record-breaking performance, as just a rookie, showcased his talent and established him as one of the most dominant running backs in the history of the NFL from Day 1.
Despite not having played since 2021 and being 38 years old, Peterson has not officially retired from professional football.
During his career as a whole, Peterson played for 184 games over 15 years for seven different teams. He totaled 14,918 rushing yards and 120 touchdowns. That puts him in the top five all-time in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
Even with all of those accomplishments, his best might come off the field. He married Ashley Brown Peterson and has grown a family.
Who Is Ashley Brown? How Did She and Peterson Meet?
It all started at the University of Oklahoma. Peterson played for the Sooners from 2004-06 and compiled 748 carries for 4,041 yards and 41 touchdowns. Those years would determine the rest of his life.
Adrian Peterson was in permanent beast mode at Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/ledrge74KL
— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) February 3, 2023
The two met as students and dated on and off during their time at the university. It wasn’t until the summer of 2014 when they tied the knot in a private ceremony. Their marriage was first publicly official when they were pictured wearing their wedding rings at a Starkey Hearing Foundation banquet.
MORE: PFN Life — Off-the-Field Content
The couple has two biological children together, Adrian Peterson Jr. in 2011 and Axyl Eugene Peterson in 2015. Peterson also has six other children.
Ashley decided to pursue her dream in 2018, when she founded her own cosmetics company. She is the founder and CEO of Elizabella Cosmetics. She claims to have had an inclination for cosmetics since she was just five years old.
That wasn’t the only thing they’ve founded. The duo together founded their own foundation, the A&A Peterson Family Foundation. Their website lists their mission statement as:
“To improve quality of life through resources and economic development, as well as,
transform communities through educational and economical empowerment.”
Everything hasn’t been smooth sailing for the couple, though. Peterson was arrested for domestic violence following Super Bowl LVI. The couple had an alleged altercation while on a plane bound for Houston. Ashley did not press charges.
The duo announced they are having a third child earlier this spring in an Instagram post. They held a baby shower over the summer.
Recent Years
Peterson has been exploring different areas in recent years. In 2022, he and fellow former running back Le’Veon Bell fought in an unofficial boxing match, where Bell knocked out Peterson.
Peterson is also set to make his debut on the 32nd season of Dancing With The Stars Tuesday night.
Former NFL standout Adrian Peterson makes his debut tonight on Dancing With The Stars. pic.twitter.com/AG8n9cVgfi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 26, 2023
Peterson is going to be paired with Britt Stewart, ABC confirmed.