Adrian Peterson, a former NFL standout, is revered as one of the most exceptional running backs in the history of the sport. His professional career spanned from 2007 to 2021, during which he earned accolades including seven Pro Bowl selections, leading the league in rushing yards three times, topping rushing touchdowns twice, and capturing the MVP title in 2012. Despite his illustrious career, Peterson has occasionally found himself in the spotlight for less favorable reasons, and his name has recently resurfaced in an unfortunate context.

On October 26, Peterson was taken into custody in Sugar Land, Texas, a suburb near Houston. As per Fort Bend County jail records, he faces charges of driving while intoxicated and illegal possession of a weapon. The authorities have refrained from releasing additional details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Peterson’s encounters with the law aren’t unprecedented; this year alone has witnessed multiple such incidents. Yet, through the ups and downs, one constant has been his wife, who has stood by him unwaveringly.

Let’s take a closer look at Ashley Brown and her relationship with Peterson.

Peterson and Brown are college sweethearts

The couple’s story began at the University of Oklahoma, where Peterson and Brown first crossed paths. Their relationship, marked by periods of dating and separation, eventually culminated in marriage. They exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony on July 19, 2014.

Brown previously worked as a model and in 2018, founded the cruelty-free beauty line Elizabella Cosmetics. She won the Black Business Accelerator Award from Amazon in 2024. 

In addition, she serves as the director and president of the family-centered AAPFF Foundation alongside her husband. The charitable organization’s mission is “to improve quality of life through resources and economic development, as well as, transform communities through educational and economical empowerment.”

How many children they have together

Today, the couple has three children: a daughter, Abrielle, and two sons, Axyl Eugene and Adrian Peterson Jr. The former football player also has five other children from previous relationships.

In 2013, Peterson’s son, Tyrese Ruffin, who did not live with his father, was hospitalized with severe injuries and died after being taken off life support.

A South Dakota man who dated the child’s mother was charged with the 2-year-old’s murder and sentenced to life in prison.

His recent DWI arrest is Peterson’s second in the last six months.

In April, the Palestine, Texas native was arrested in Minnesota for driving while impaired after police reportedly observed him going 83 mph in a 55 mph zone. Peterson registered a 0.14% blood alcohol level.

In 2022, he was kicked off an airplane at LAX just before it took off to Houston for allegedly verbally and physically assaulting Brown. However, she later said he did not strike her, and no charges were filed.

And in 2014, Peterson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son. As a result of the incident, the child sustained cuts and bruises to his back, buttocks, legs, and scrotum. Peterson reached a plea agreement and did 80 hours of community service.