Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson got into a fight with a man over a poker game earlier this summer and is now capitalizing on that moment. Peterson has signed a Celebrity Boxing contract according to TMZ Sports with his first fight set to be against Joe “Baby Joe” Castaneda, the individual involved in the May brawl at JokerStars in Houston.
“Me and the guy, we’re cool,” Peterson told TMZ. “We’ve known each other. It was like a brother situation. We agreed to disagree, we had our words, and we threw blows — and that was it.”
No charges were filed and no police involvement occurred. During the incident, Peterson emerged with injuries, explaining that his cut was due to hitting a chair during the altercation.
The 40-year-old Peterson previously participated in a boxing match where he was knocked out in 2022 by fellow NFL player Le’Veon Bell.
Amid facing various financial and legal issues, Peterson was ordered by a judge in September 2024 to surrender numerous assets to help repay $12.5 million in debt. Following the NFL Draft in April, Peterson was arrested for DWI shortly after leaving a party hosted by the Minnesota Vikings.
This upcoming boxing match with Castaneda potentially offers Peterson a way to alleviate part of the financial burden stemming from a loan taken out to cover previous debts, as revealed by court documents accessed by USA Today.
Peterson was the 2007 NFL Rookie of the Year out of Oklahoma, finishing his career with 14,918 rushing yards and 120 touchdowns over 15 seasons, primarily with Minnesota. He is expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer,
During his MVP season in 2012, Peterson became the seventh player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards (specifically 2,097). He also led the NFL in rushing yards twice in his career (2008 and 2015).
In 2023, Peterson attempted to make a comeback but did not secure a contract. He aimed to surpass Barry Sanders on the all-time rushing record list but fell short by 352 yards.
“You see why it’s been there for such a long time,” Peterson stated. “I had a great opportunity to do it. Unfortunately, I experienced some hiccups throughout my career, injuries, and other factors that prevented me from reaching that milestone.”
“I think it’ll remain for a long time. Who knows, someone may eventually break it, but the current state of the NFL makes it seem tough for anyone to surpass that record.”
“But I can tell you this: no one else should hold that record. Emmitt is a great guy who inspired many, including me as a Cowboys fan. I hold immense respect for him.”
