Former NFL Star Adrian Peterson Involved in Fistfight at Houston Poker Club
Houston, Texas – Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Adrian Peterson found himself in an unexpected altercation last month, as video footage surfaced on Thursday, June 19, 2025, showing him engaged in a fistfight at a poker club in Houston, Texas. The incident, which took place on May 27 at the JokerStars Social Club, quickly went viral across social media platforms.
What Happened: A Poker Dispute Escalates
The video obtained by TMZ Sports captures the dramatic moments when Peterson, 40, and another man exchange punches during what appeared to be a heated dispute over a poker hand. Onlookers can be seen trying to intervene initially, but the altercation continued, with both men throwing blows and knocking over chairs as the fight spilled across the room.
According to Peterson’s own account to TMZ, the other individual involved in the fight was a friend. He explained that a disagreement arose during their card game, and “one thing led to another,” leading to a physical confrontation. Peterson reportedly took some punches to the face early on but also landed several blows of his own.
After the two were eventually separated, both men appeared with visible injuries. Peterson stated that his own injuries resulted from falling into a chair during the scuffle, not from being punched directly. He admitted that alcohol was involved in the situation but emphasized it was not the root cause of the disagreement itself.
Aftermath: Reconciliation, No Police Involvement
Despite the intensity of the brawl, Peterson confirmed that he and the other individual have since reconciled. “Me and the guy, we’re cool. We’ve known each other. It was literally like a brother situation. We agreed to disagree, we had our words, and we threw blows — and that was it,” Peterson told TMZ. He also expressed regret over the incident, stating, “I felt really bad. It’s a situation where I kind of regret it.”
Significantly, law enforcement was not called to the scene of the fight, and the JokerStars club did not impose any penalties or bans on either party involved in the altercation.
Peterson’s Post-NFL Ventures
Since officially retiring from the NFL in 2021, Adrian Peterson, widely considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, has explored various ventures beyond professional football. He has notably delved into the world of poker, frequently participating in games at social clubs like JokerStars. Peterson also had a brief foray into combat sports, taking part in an exhibition boxing match against fellow former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell in 2022, which he lost by TKO.
This recent incident marks a surprising moment in Peterson’s post-football journey, highlighting the occasional volatility that can arise even in casual settings.