Adrian Peterson’s childhood was marred by multiple tragedies. His elder brother was killed in a road accident. His father was accidently shot in his leg that ended his NBA dream. Later, his father was arrested for laundering drug money and served a prison sentence. These traumas egged Adrian Peterson on to channelize his anger into sports. During his adulthood, Adrian Peterson’s half brother was shot and killed. His 2-year son, Tyrese Robert Ruffin, died from abuse of the man who was dating the mother – he had never met this child; in fact, he was not even aware of the child’s existence or his son’s death. The abuser, Joseph Patterson, was arrested and convicted of second-degree murder.

Despite these tragedies, Adrian Peterson distinguished himself with many records at his Oklahoma College and later at the NFL. Adrian Peterson holds the NCAA freshman rushing record in the 2004 season while playing for University of Oklahoma. He became the Sooners’ third all-time leading rusher. He holds the NFL record for most rushing yards in a single game. He was decorated with the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in the NFL pro circuit. NFL Network’s Top 100 Players list was topped with Adrian Peterson’s name. He was drafted into the Minnesota Vikings team on April 28, 2007 as their star running back.During his long sports career, Adrian Peterson suffered many injuries that threatened his professional journey. He sprained his ankle, injured his anterior cruciate, and tore his medial collateral ligaments. All through these career-limiting injuries, Adrian Peterson came back stronger and motivated and went on to distinguish himself in his chosen sport.

Adrian Peterson is currently married to Ashley Brown, his long-time girlfriend, whom he met at the University of Oklahoma. His wife Ashley Brown is currently pregnant and is expecting the baby in October. It is believed that he had 7/8 children through different women. Adrian Peterson’s low point is when he was arrested in 2014 for allegedly beating his then 4-year child with a switch. The pictures of the child’s wounds surfaced on the internet and he was suspended from NFL. His team Minnesota Vikings placed him on paid leave. Eventually, he paid a fine of $4,000 and did community service for his misdemeanor, but was freed of jail sentence. NFL had suspended him without pay for the rest of the season, and made him ineligible for playing until April 2015.

Despite a traumatic childhood, the career-threatening injuries, and the tragic happenings in his personal life, Adrian Peterson has weathered all the storms and emerged much stronger from those trials and tribulations. Adrian Peterson’s life is a study in perseverance against all odds.