NFL legend Adrian Peterson signs Celebrity Boxing deal to fight poker rival in surprise ring battle

NFL fans are in for a big surprise as former football star Adrian Peterson is stepping away from the field and into the boxing ring. The 39-year-old legend has signed a contract with Celebrity Boxing for a match that no one saw coming. What’s making headlines is not just his switch to boxing, but the person he’ll be fighting, his longtime poker rival.TMZ Sports verified Adrian Peterson's official inclusion in the Celebrity Boxing roster on July 10, 2025. Having previously ruled defenses league-wide, the former NFL running back will now square off against a poker opponent in a highly anticipated contest. Fans are going crazy on social media already even if the match's date and location have not yet been announced. From 2007 to 2021, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time, Adrian Peterson participated in the NFL. MVP in 2012, he was picked for seven Pro Bowls. Peterson has stayed under the radar until recently because he retired.The poker rival he will face has not been publicly named yet, but sources close to Celebrity Boxing say the match has been in the works for a while. The two apparently have a competitive history at high-stakes poker tables, and things may have gotten personal. Celebrity Boxing is known for turning personal disputes into public showdowns, and this one could be a major crowd-puller.Adrian Peterson’s fans were caught off guard by the news. Known for his strength and discipline on the field, many are curious to see how he performs in a boxing ring. Although not from the sports scene, his opponent apparently has a history of passionate conflicts with Peterson from their poker games. Still without comment, celebrity boxing founder Damon Feldman is supposed to provide more information in the next few days. Given Peterson's name associated, the battle will surely attract interest from both boxing aficionados and NFL fans.Also Read: Adrian Peterson Faces Pressure To Accept Dangerous Celebrity Boxing Match After Poker Club ChaosThis is not Adrian Peterson’s first time exploring combat sports. In 2022, he briefly fought in an exhibition match against Le’Veon Bell. That experience could help him this time, especially in a grudge match with personal stakes. For now, fans are eagerly waiting for an official fight date and for Adrian Peterson to swap poker chips for punches.