A federal judge in Houston has ordered former NFL running back Adrian Peterson to turn over a multitude of assets to pay off a debt estimated to be more than $12 million.
According to USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer, Peterson’s debt stems from a $5.2 million loan in 2016 that, after several legal battles, has ballooned to the roughly $12.5 million total.
The court-appointed receiver filed a request in court in July to seize Peterson’s valuables at his Missouri home, which was granted this week.
A Texas auction house was caught in the middle of the saga in March when a debt collector acquired Peterson’s NFL trophies and attempted to sell them off. A judge called off the auction after Peterson objected, and that case has not yet been resolved.
Field Level Media (h/t ESPN) reported Tuesday that Peterson’s public relations firm says “he has been left solely responsible” for the financial fallout from mistakes made by a former business partner.
Peterson made $103.2 million over his 15-year career in the NFL, according to Spotrac. He played for seven different teams, primarily for the Minnesota Vikings.
The 2012 league MVP appears to be one of the most recent pro athletes who have encountered financial pitfalls after making millions in their playing days.
According to the American Bankruptcy Institute, nearly 16% of NFL players as of 2015 had filed for bankruptcy within 12 years of retiring and 78% faced serious financial hardships after retirement.
It is unclear if the judge’s order will resolve Peterson’s debt or if further legal proceedings will be necessary.
