Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson has been directed by a Texas judge to surrender personal assets to address a soaring debt that now surpasses $12 million.
The directive follows a court-appointed receiver’s efforts to recover funds from Peterson as part of a judgment stemming from a lawsuit filed by a Pennsylvania lending company. Peterson had defaulted on a $5.2 million loan from the company, and accumulated interest and fees have more than doubled that amount.
In July, receiver Robert Berleth requested a judge to authorize constables to accompany him to Peterson’s residence in Missouri City, a Houston suburb, to inventory assets that could be liquidated.
“The receiver requests constable accompaniment when receiver levies the numerous assets known to be stored at (the home) to keep the peace and prevent interference with the receiver’s duties,” Berleth stated in a court document.
On Monday, the judge approved this request, allowing Berleth to proceed with the inventory process under constable protection.
Peterson’s legal representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Tuesday.
Earlier this year, in February, Peterson’s attorneys had filed documents seeking to prevent Berleth from auctioning off various items seized from storage units, which included Peterson’s 2007 NFL “Rookie of the Year” trophy.
Later that month, a judge halted the sale of these items from Peterson’s storage units.
During his illustrious career, Peterson earned seven Pro Bowl selections over 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and was named the NFL’s most valuable player in 2012 by the Associated Press. After his tenure with the Vikings, he went on to play for six other teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Washington, and Detroit Lions.
