SUGAR LAND, Texas — Former NFL MVP and legendary running back Adrian Peterson was arrested early Sunday morning in suburban Houston on charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI) and unlawful carrying of a weapon, according to police and court records.
Authorities in Sugar Land discovered Peterson, 40, asleep behind the wheel of his running SUV at a gas pump around 9 a.m., sparking yet another troubling chapter in the life of one of football’s most decorated rushers.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers approached the vehicle and found Peterson unresponsive at first, with the engine still running and no one else inside. Upon waking, officers noted classic signs of impairment — bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of alcohol emanating from his person.
“I interviewed Mr. Peterson and detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person. I also observed Mr. Peterson had bloodshot, glossy eyes and slurred speech,” the arresting officer wrote. “I asked Mr. Peterson where he was coming from, and he stated a poker game in Houston.”
When questioned further, Peterson reportedly told officers he didn’t know where he was and that he had been trying to drive home to Missouri City, roughly 15 miles away. He admitted to drinking “two to three shots of a vodka mix” earlier in the night.
When asked to self-assess his level of intoxication on a scale from zero to 10 — with 10 being “to the point of blacking out” — Peterson rated himself a two, according to the affidavit.
Failed Sobriety Test and Weapon Discovery
Police administered a standard field sobriety test, during which Peterson allegedly swayed, used his arms for balance, and showed signs of impairment.
A subsequent search of his SUV revealed a Glock handgun inside the glove compartment. Texas law allows for concealed carry with a valid license, but under state law, carrying a firearm while intoxicated constitutes unlawful possession of a weapon — adding a second charge to the DWI offense.
Peterson was booked into Fort Bend County Jail on Sunday and released the following day after posting $3,000 in bonds. Court records did not list an attorney of record to represent him at this time.
Second DWI Arrest in Seven Months
This marks Peterson’s second DWI arrest in less than a year. In April, he was taken into custody in Minneapolis following an appearance at an NFL Draft event for Minnesota Vikings fans — the same franchise where he became one of the greatest running backs in league history.
At the time, Peterson maintained his innocence and said he expected to clear his name. Sunday’s arrest, however, may complicate those efforts and potentially lead to additional legal consequences if prosecutors decide to pursue enhanced penalties for repeat offenses.
A Storied Career, Shadowed by Controversy
Peterson’s on-field legacy remains among the most accomplished in NFL history. Drafted seventh overall by Minnesota in 2007, he immediately established himself as a generational talent.
Over a 15-year career, Peterson played for six different teams, won the 2012 NFL MVP, captured three rushing titles, and joined the exclusive club of players to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season — totaling 2,097 yards that year, the second-highest mark in NFL history.
He retired with 14,918 rushing yards and 120 total touchdowns, ranking fifth all-time in rushing yards and fourth in rushing touchdowns.
Despite his remarkable career, Peterson’s post-football life has been turbulent. In addition to prior DWI incidents, he faced legal trouble earlier in his career stemming from a 2014 child injury case, which resulted in a suspension from the league.
Community Roots and Uncertain Future
A native of Palestine, Texas, Peterson was a high school football legend before starring at Oklahoma, where he became a Heisman finalist as a freshman. He remains a well-known figure in the Houston area, frequently making appearances at youth events and charity games.
Sunday’s arrest, however, adds to a growing list of off-field challenges that have clouded the twilight of his public image.
For now, the once-revered star who electrified NFL fans for more than a decade faces another test — one not on the field, but in court.
Charges: Driving While Intoxicated (Class B misdemeanor); Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (Class A misdemeanor).
Next Court Date: To be scheduled in Fort Bend County Court.
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