**Adrian Peterson Owes Over $10 Million on Unpaid Loan; Court Denies Sale of His 2007 BMW**
Former NFL star Adrian Peterson remains embroiled in a significant legal battle over a debt exceeding $10 million from an unpaid loan taken out in 2016. Recently, a Houston judge denied a request to sell Peterson’s 2007 BMW as a means to satisfy the outstanding debt. This marks the latest development in an ongoing conflict involving Peterson’s assets, which also includes a previously halted auction of his memorabilia.
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### Background of the Debt
Peterson, the former Minnesota Vikings star running back, owes more than $10 million stemming from a loan he did not repay after the Vikings declined to exercise an $18 million option on his contract in 2017. The loan originated in October 2016 when Peterson sought an advance from a Pennsylvania lending company.
However, after Peterson suffered a knee injury in September 2016, the Vikings chose not to pick up his contract option in early 2017. As a result, his earnings dropped significantly, and he was unable to repay the loan. According to court documents filed by Robert Berleth, the court-appointed receiver trying to collect the debt, Peterson now owes between $11 million and $13 million — including interest and attorneys’ fees.
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### Recent Court Proceedings: The BMW Controversy
On Wednesday, September 24, a Houston judge denied Berleth’s motion to sell Peterson’s 2007 BMW. Berleth had petitioned the court for permission to sell the car, which he claimed was turned over by Peterson in 2022, to partly satisfy the judgment against him.
Peterson fought back against the request, asserting that the car was seized from his home without his permission. In a declaration filed on September 22, Peterson stated:
> “My 2007 BMW was parked outside my home and was taken from the property by the Receiver (Berleth) in this matter, or individuals under his direction, while I was not home. I did not agree to its seizure, nor was I asked at the time whether I wanted to designate it as exempt. I was not even aware it had been taken until I returned home.”
Judge Erica Hughes ruled in favor of Peterson, denying the motion to sell the vehicle. Under Texas law, Peterson is entitled to some protections against debt collection — including exemption for up to $100,000 worth of personal property, which may include his BMW.
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### Ongoing Legal Battle
This recent ruling is just one part of a protracted “cat-and-mouse” legal struggle between Peterson and Berleth. Last year, an auction set to sell Peterson’s trophies, jerseys, and clothing was suspended in Texas amid disputes over ownership and authority to sell the property.
Peterson’s attorney has maintained that the issues around Peterson’s assets are unresolved and challenged the seizure of the car as unauthorized. The attorney also emphasized Peterson’s right to designate the vehicle as exempt property.
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### Peterson’s Financial and Legal Challenges
Despite earning over $100 million during his NFL career from 2007 to 2021, Peterson’s financial troubles continue. In addition to this debt case, Peterson has faced other legal issues in recent years, including child support disputes, a misdemeanor assault charge last year, and a DUI arrest in Minnesota this past April.
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As this case progresses, the larger debt collection efforts against Peterson remain ongoing, highlighting the complex financial and legal challenges the former star athlete is currently navigating.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/09/24/adrian-peterson-debt-collection-car-minnesota-vikings/86337255007/
