Title: Adrian Peterson Ordered to Repay $12.5 Million Debt by Houston Judge

In a recent development, former NFL star Adrian Peterson has been ordered by a Houston judge to pay off approximately $12.5 million in debt. The ruling comes after Peterson, who earned over $100 million during his NFL career from 2007 to 2021, was directed to surrender several assets from his home in Missouri City, Texas. This decision was made in response to a lawsuit filed by commercial collections law firm Robert Berleth, seeking repayment of the outstanding debt.

According to court documents viewed by USA Today, Peterson originally took out a $5.2 million loan from a lending company in Pennsylvania back in 2016. However, with a nine percent annual interest rate and attorney's fees, a judgment of $8.3 million was obtained against Peterson in 2021. The total amount due has now ballooned to approximately $12.5 million, including the accrued interest payments and legal fees, as stated in Berleth's court filing from February.

In their request to the judge, Berleth requested constable accompaniment to ensure a peaceful retrieval of the numerous assets stored at Peterson's property, while preventing any interference with the receiver's duties. These assets were intended to be used to offset the outstanding debt.

While Berleth attempted to sell Peterson's sports memorabilia, such as NFL trophies and jerseys, the auction was put on hold due to Peterson objecting and threatening legal action in February 2024. In a now-deleted social media post, Peterson emphasized his financial stability and expressed his unwillingness to part with his hard-earned trophies.

Notably, Peterson's financial troubles come under scrutiny following his extravagant 30th birthday party in 2015, which was estimated to have cost him "millions." The former running back's financial woes have surfaced alongside other off-field controversies, such as his infamous incident of disciplining his son with a switch.

Throughout his 15-year career, Adrian Peterson achieved remarkable milestones, accumulating an impressive 14,918 rushing yards and 120 touchdowns. He remains the last non-quarterback to win the NFL MVP award, being honored with the title in 2012 when he rushed for an outstanding 2,097 yards with the Minnesota Vikings.

As Peterson grapples with his post-NFL financial challenges, the ruling by the Houston judge adds another chapter to the ongoing complications surrounding his career off the field.